A TEAM of fundraisers are busy at work organising a bumper afternoon of entertainment at North Tawton Rugby Club on Saturday, July 27 — all to support a member of the ladies' rugby team.

Victoria Smedley and Alex Turner set up the club's ladies' team ten years ago. In the time since, Victoria has been a player, fixtures secretary, and helped to keep the team together as a healthy social activity.

Last November she was admitted to the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital after feeling tingling sensations in her arms and legs. In the space of a few days, she lost all feeling in the lower half of her body and is now paralysed from the waist down.

Having been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, Victoria has started a long road to rehabilitation, working on trying to get sensations back and potentially some movement.

She was placed in the Mardon Neuro-Rehabilitation Centre in Exeter on December 27. The centre helps young adults with intensive in-patient and community based rehabilitation.

Victoria's friends, including Luci Murray and Alex Turner, are organising a car show and afternoon of entertainment at the rugby club to support the centre and show their support for her.

Luci said: 'Since getting a place at the centre, Victoria has come on leaps and bounds. She has learnt to use a wheelchair and more importantly been taught how to become independent in it.

'She has been through vigorous physio sessions that have enabled her to regain her core strength, therefore allowing her to sit up straight and support herself.

'She has gained a small amount of sensation in her back and the ability to learn to live with her condition if she doesn't manage to get the opportunity to walk again. Victoria has gone from strength to strength and that is largely to do with the Mardon Centre.

'For 16 years Victoria has been one of my best friends. She has shown such courage and inner strength throughout this ordeal. I visited her every week in both the RD&E and the Mardon Centre, and I can honestly say I have not once caught her feeling sorry for herself. Her positivity is truly an inspiration to anyone, she is an amazing lady.'

But Luci said the Mardon?Centre is under constant threat of closure and relies on funding.

'Seeing the effect that the Mardon centre has had on Victoria, and so many other people who walk through the doors is amazing. So is the help and support they have and are continuing to give Victoria and her husband Peter through this very difficult and life changing time. Because of all these factors, and because we think Victoria is very special, we are organising this fundraiser.'

The event is specifically raising money to go towards a specialised harness to support a person's weight and enable them to move their legs and mimic walking. Exercises like this can help trigger muscle memory. The item of equipment costs £15,000.

The fundraiser is at the club on Saturday, July 27. From 1pm there will be a car show with vintage vehicles, Ferraris, Lamborghinis and more. There will also be a prize draw, barbecue, bar, disco, live music, camping and a charity auction run by auctioneer Philip Pyle.

If you have a car you would like to show at the event, call Alex Turner on 07966 273025.