A SOLICITOR with a budding triathlon career is targeting success on the world stage thanks to support from a copier firm.

Stephanie King, from Ellesmere, is aiming for a best ever top 20 finish at the ITU World Triathlon Series in Switzerland in September, has been handed an 'invaluable' sponsorship boost by Rawson Digital, enabling her to compete at the highest level.

The 26-year-old real estate solicitor, who now lives in Saltney, Flintshire is also competing in her second Ironman in Hamburg this summer.

This is the second year that Vaughn Rawson has sponsored Stephanie, who has represented Great Britain as part of the age-group racing squad which places her in the top 20 in the country for her age-group.

Stephanie, a former pupil of The Lakelands School in Ellesmere and Shrewsbury School, said: "It's an expensive sport and people do struggle. Even at elite level, triathletes rely on sponsorship and prize money so Vaughn's support is invaluable.

"The money covers entry fees, racing kit, bike maintenance and travel. Last year it was used to purchase my TT bike."

The former Chester University of Law student, who had just returned from an early season training camp in Mallorca, has to follow a tiring, time-consuming training schedule but she is fiercely dedicated and determined to achieve her goals.

Stephanie, who was the first female over the line and seventh overall in the Boundary Park Triathlon recently, said: "I work full time so I have to train in the mornings and evenings although sometimes I do train on my lunch. I also have a dog to walk twice a day so there is a lot to fit into a day!

"On average I probably do about 20 hours of training a week. The fact is you don't enjoy every moment and there are times when you don't want to get out of bed.

"The way I see it is the whole time I'm training hard other athletes are doing the same. Every session you don't do means they are then ahead of the game. It's an incredibly competitive sport, you can't get behind.

"My ultimate goal is to make The Ironman World Championship held in Hawaii. Then I'll be able to retire!"