AN EXPERT fencer is laying down her sword in a bid to enable her son to fulfil his dreams.


Rose Gregory, 53, of Rossett, is one of the country’s top veteran fencers and has just helped Wales win the six-nation Celtic Challenge in Cornwall.


Her talented son David, 22, is also a top swordsman and is in line to represent Wales at the Commonwealth Fencing Championships in Melbourne, but he needs to raise £2,500 to be able to represent Wales on the big stage.


Now Rose has sacrificed her own ambitions to compete in the championships in order to get David to Australia.


She said: “Unlike many other sports we have to pay our own way. While I would love to be able to compete out there in Australia with David, our priority is to make sure he can go.


“We have paid the deposit for him and we’ll get there somehow or other, but despite the generosity of my employers Marks and Spencer who were prepared to give me £500 I’m not able to go.


“Instead all our efforts will be to make sure David gets there.


“It will be a fantastic opportunity and something he has worked so hard for. I was desperate to be able to go and compete myself as well as having the chance to watch David compete on the big stage.”


This year David has risen from 58th to fifth in the senior British rankings and is the Welsh number one while his mum, who only took up the sport six years ago, is the Welsh Veterans champion.


The mother and son team are both members of Wrexham Fencing Club which trains at Ysgol Clywedog, Wrexham, and Darland School, Rossett.


The duo specialise in the epee, the modern equivalent of the 18th century duelling sword.


If anyone can help send David to Australia call head coach Mike Norfolk on 01244 659133.