An inspirational mum has set a world record for the fastest completion of a Sahara Desert challenge in a wheelchair.

Luisa Pearce, 47, endured seven long days in blistering 40 degree temperatures to complete the 100km feat.

Alongside extreme heat, she dealt with thunder and lightning, a sand storm and witnessed rare sights such as a desert mirage and a moon “halo”.

Mrs Pearce, of Greenhill in Staplehurst, took on the 100km Sahara Desert Challenge in a bid to raise £50,000 for her new charity, Freedom for Wheels, which helps those with mobility issues live independent lives.

It comes after the former Cornwallis Academy special needs teacher suffered serious complications following surgery in September 2014.

She was left paralysed from the knee down in one leg, and without the use of her left hand.

But since joining David Lloyd Kings Hill club in May last year, and after months of intensive exercise and physiotherapy, has defied doctors’ expectations by getting back on her feet. She completed the challenge thanks to a 14-strong team drawn from staff and members at the gym.

After returning from the trip on Sunday, Mrs Pearce said: “Completing this trip and breaking the Guinness World Record at the same time means the world to the team.

“The days were exhausting and gruelling with many highs and lows, but the amazing feeling of completing the trek and the pinnacle of reaching the top of the highest sand dune in the region, Erg Zaher, at a whopping 300 metres high makes all the physio and gym hours worthwhile.”

“I had a crazy dream to cross the Sahara to show that disability is not inability as long as you have people willing to help, those people being who I have met through David Lloyd.”

Lauren Mortimer, manager of the Kings Hill Avenue gym, said: “I speak for the rest of my team when I say that our crossing of the Sahara Desert has been one of the most exhilarating and memorable moments ever.”

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