THarrison

Last updated 01:00, Thursday, 19 July 2007

By Patrick Hill

CARLISLE javelin ace Colette Doran clinched silver at the seventh European Deaf Championship in Sofia.

The 23-year-old, who hopes to compete at the World Deaf Championship in Taiwan in 2009, threw 37.56 metres in intense heat in Bulgaria.

World record holder Kairit Olenko from Estonia won the event with a throw of 43.22, while German athlete Katja Friedrich took bronze with a throw of 35.57.

"She was really chuffed," said her father Mike who is also her coach.

Doran, who is profoundly deaf, is now working with Cumbria-based Team GB physio Chris Jarrett, after being hit by a foot injury.

The talented athlete from Morton, has been plagued by a string of injuries including a fractured foot, a finger problem, ligament troubles and an elbow injury. She is now targeting a medal at the Scottish Championship in Glasgow.

"Hopefully, she can get injury free and then throw over 40 metres," added dad Mike.

Mike also thanked the Lisa Watson Memorial Trust who donated £550 to pay for Colette's trip to the event.

The trust was set up in memory of 11-year-old Lisa Watson, who was killed in a road accident on the A6 at Plumpton in 2002. Lisa was born with profound hearing difficulties which she overcame to live to the full.