'Figure skating helped me after stroke as a baby'

Special Olympics Great Britain figure skater Stephanie Gott said the sport had helped to improve both her physical and mental health.

The 29-year-old, from Runcorn in Cheshire, was born with a congenital heart defect. After she underwent life-saving open-heart surgery as a new-born, she suffered a stroke.

Stephanie, who has autism, leaning difficulties and right-sided weakness, has since gone on to win two bronze medals and a silver at the Special Olympics World Winter Games in Turin.

"I feel free as a butterfly [on the ice]," she said. "I like the feeling of moving and gliding across the ice."

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