A disabled teenager has been pledged thousands of pounds from supporters backing her ambition to swim for Britain at the 2004 Paralympics.

When competitors get under starter's orders in the event in Athens, Kimberley Bailey wants to be among the champions.

The 16-year-old from Rochester Close in Durrington has already made it into the England team. Her aim now is to earn a place on the plane to Greece in two years' time.

The Argus reported in March how she won six gold medals at the BT National Junior Championships, the top British competition for disabled swimmers, when she was given a special commendation for producing the most outstanding performance of the championship.

Her success led to her being tipped as a contestant in the next Paralympics.

Miracles, an East Preston-based charity, is sponsoring Kimberley after taking up her cause last year.

The Sunday Times Magazine has also reported on Miracles' appeal to help Kimberley fulfil ambition and the subsequent publicity has brought in about £13,000 from supporters.

The charity set a target of £10,000 when it began fund-raising but coaching and travelling costs are likely to be higher.

When she was born with multiple disabilities and weighing in at just 3lb 7oz doctors doubted Kimberley would survive.

She had curvature of the spine, dislocated hips, a wasted left leg, club feet and a cleft palate. Her ribs were also fused down one side.

However, 15 operations and a lot of hard work later, the youngster is striving towards her dream of becoming a Paralympics champion.

Kimberley, a pupil at The Angmering School, said: "I want to swim in the paralympics in 2004 but if I don't manage that I will aim for the next one in 2008 in Beijing."

Her mother Christine said it was the one sport Kimberley could compete with everyone else and not be at such a disadvantage.

As well as studying for six GCSEs, Kimberley also trains up to five evenings a week in Worthing.

She has already got 13 gold medals behind her and last year she was picked for the England team.

Despite all her success, Kimberley admits to still getting nerves before every race.

From now until the paralympics in 2004, Kimberley will be working hard to earn her place in the British squad.

The charity Miracles can be contacted on 01903 775673.