More than 30 years ago accident victim Elizabeth Walker nearly died in a horrific car crash - and today she is on the verge of being a world champion.

Elizabeth, 50, is preparing to take part in the World Bowls Championship in Connecticut, USA, with her husband David. But in 1971 doctors had thought she would not live after being critically injured in a car accident in Thornton Road.

"Nobody thought I would survive that crash because my injuries were so severe - I lay in a coma for six months," said Mrs Walker (nee Dunn) who is one of 12 children. "I was left with brain damage and subsequently paralysed. The Mini I was travelling in split in two after it was hit by another vehicle."

But two and a half years later Elizabeth was walking up the aisle to get married. She later gave birth to her son Gavin, 25, who is now studying for a masters degree.

"I was determined to get better and prove everybody wrong," said Mrs Walker who still has a speech impediment and some mobility problems as a result of the accident. Despite this she and her husband David, who has cerebral palsy and cannot walk long distances, are bowling fanatics. Mr Walker has to play in a specially designed buggy.

The pair have already won a number of bowling titles including the ladies' and men's singles championship and the pairs' national championship. "We are passionate about bowls," said Mr Walker who taught his wife how to play.

The couple are travelling to Connecticut with fellow team mates to take part in the World Championships in July. "We do not receive any financial help to take part in the competition so we are relying on being able to get sponsorship," said Mrs Walker who lives in Leeds after being born and brought up in Bradford.

The pair need about £4,000 to realise their dream and take part.

If you would like to help, contact the couple through Jennifer Sugden at the Telegraph & Argus on (01274) 729511.