THIS inspirational young woman is living the dream and it is all down to her hard work and determination.

For 23-year-old Madi Richardson has overcome all the odds to achieve much more than anyone could ever have dreamed of and has secured work at a top graphic design company in London.

Madi came to Bolton from Romania as a shy five-year-old needing medical treatment for a disabled arm.

She was living in an orphanage in a little town called Dersca and did not speak a word of English.

But it is testament to Madi's spirit and resolve that she has been able to overcome adversity and forge a career in a tough business.

She attended Canon Slade School and gained a first class BA Honours degree in graphic design at the University of Bolton before heading for the capital and a new life.

"It was tough getting to this point in my life as I knew that finding a job after university wouldn't come easy to any young person especially one who had a disability.

"I was determined to show to people that I was capable of finding work and found a job.

"I was fully aware that I may need to go to London for work which didn't bother me as I was so focused on starting a career in graphic design I would do whatever it took to get there," said Madi.

Madi was brought to Bolton by Kath and Dave Richardson who live in Smithills and are active members of St Peter's Church.

They set up and run the Good News for Romania Charity and it was on one of their many missions to the country that they discovered Madi languishing in an orphanage.

Realising she would never get the help she needed there they brought her to England and she had medical treatment here. They then adopted her and the rest, as they say, is history.

Madi was placed in the orphanage by her parents who could not care for her and Kath and Dave faced a battle with the Romanian authorities to have Madi placed for adoption.

It was 1996 when Madi came to England. Romania's revolution had changed her home country and the horrendous stories coming out of some of the orphanages — revealing children living in dreadful conditions — had forced people to sit up and take notice.

Kath, aged 64 and 66-year-old Dave were determined to do their bit to help those children and through their charity help youngsters and their families who live in impoverished conditions — including street children.

Madi said she wanted to thank her family "especially my parents" for their support.

"I would advice young adults to never give up on your dream whatever that dream is. You will succeed whether small or big as everybody has a purpose in life. I have never given up on mine and I'm satisfied with what I have now and I couldn't have done it without my amazing family and friends," said Madi.