A DOUBLE Paralympic gold medallist archer is looking to making a splash with her next challenge.

Danielle Brown will be taking part in the John West Great East Swim at Alton Water in Suffolk on Saturday, June 22, where she will tackle a 5km swim in open water.

She said: “If I’m completely honest, I’m terrified and wondering how I am going to rise to this one.

"Archery was mentally demanding, but not so physically tough on my body.

"Whilst I did a little bit of swimming to maintain general fitness levels, the reality is that I have one speed only – slow.”

Lothersdale's Brown, who had the post box in Skipton painted gold in her honour after winning gold in London 2012, is swimming to support The Mintridge Foundation. They increase sports participation and improve physical and mental health of children and young people.

Since retiring from sport in 2014 after a rule change made her no longer eligible to compete at Paralympic events, the former South Craven School in Cross Hills student set up a speaking and training business which helps others break through barriers and unlock their potential.

She is particularly passionate about working with young people.

Brown added: “Sport completely turned my life around as a teenager and helped me come to terms with having a disability.

“It taught me how to deal with setbacks, build my self-confidence and really value my self-worth.

"I really want to put something back and helping other young people get these opportunities is really important.

“Doing this challenge as part of Team Mintridge is awesome – it’s great to feel part of something bigger and it’s giving me the motivation to dig deep, keep getting up early and get swimming.”

Brown was also a five-time world champion and was world number one for her entire career. In 2010 she became the first disabled person to represent England as an able-bodied athlete, winning gold in the team event at the Delhi Commonwealth Games.

Brown was inducted into the British University and College Sport Hall of Fame alongside Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill and Sir Roger Bannister. Brown was also awarded the MBE in recognition of her achievements.

Go to themintridgefoundation.charitycheckout.co.uk/pf/danielle-brown to make a donation.