A fundraising event will be held tomorrow to help provide a life-changing wheelchair for a disabled woman rugby player who survived a life-threatening aneurysm and pneumonia eight times.

After a year of fundraising and battling ill health, including having her ovaries removed without anaesthetic because of her condition, Ruth Troy is half way to getting her pair of new action wheels, but still needs another £4,500.

The 41-year-old, of Buttershaw, who plays for the Bradford Bulls wheelchair rugby team, said she needed the special Emotion-type wheels to help keep her independence longer.

The mother-of-three, who has been paraplegic since she suffered a series of strokes five years ago, said the chair would make a massive difference to her life.

She is worried that having to get around in her current “tank-like” wheelchair means she is over-working her arms and could damage what use she has left of them.

“What I really need is some wonderful saint to come and give the appeal a big shove to get us to our total. There must be someone out there who can help – a business owner, entrepreneur or an organisation. Bradford’s known for having a big heart,” she said.

Buttershaw Christian and Family Centre (BCFC), where she attends church, has got involved by bringing in almost £1,400 of funds in the past 12 months and nearby St Margaret’s Church has pledged to pay the last £500 when it is needed.

The health service is paying for a new basic chair so money is prioritised for the wheels, said Miss Troy who added: “If I lose my independence I will lose my mind. I’m the kind of person who always has to be on the fast track. I need to stay as independent as I possibly can for as long as I can.”

If Miss Troy was to buy a new and better active wheelchair herself, she would need an extra £3,500.

Tomorrow’s fundraiser, organised by friends, takes place at Buttershaw Baptist Church at The Crescent from 1pm to 3pm.

“I’m determined to get my new wheels this year – it’s got to be a better year than last. I’ve been in and out of hospital a lot but I’m still rolling,” said MissTroy, who has just become a grandma for the first time.

Attractions at the event will include games, a bouncing castle, food and stalls. Anyone who can help on the day or would like to make a donation can contact Miss Troy on 07596 336154.