BOLTON Wanderers are set to crown their first community hero.

Ruth Madeley, aged 17, who suffers with debilitating spina bifida, has been selected as the January winner.

The scheme was launched by the Wanderers to find unsung heroes in the Bolton area who have triumphed over adversity or who have made a difference to other people's lives.

Ruth, a Thornleigh Salesian College student from Westhoughton, was nominated by her parents, Geoff and Jacquie, after she overcame the serious illness, which has seen her undergo a string of painful operations, to triumph in her her GCSEs last year.

Mr Madeley said: "Ruth had to work very hard to keep up with her schoolwork, when she least felt like it.

"During this time, Ruth missed a lot of school and, as it was only a few months before taking her GCSE exams, she had to catch up with course work.

"After working extensively with the hospital and a home tutor, I was very proud that my daughter passed 11 GCSEs in August 2003."

Mr Madeley said Ruth was an "inspiration" to those who know her.

Ruth has also worked for her favourite charities.

She has raised money for the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital and Whizz Kidz, where she has helped to promote disability issues as well as raising money to buy wheelchairs for youngsters with similar disabilities to herself.

Ruth will be presented with her Wanderers Champions award at half-time during tomorrow's derby clash with Manchester City.

Help us find next winner

WANDERERS are now looking for their February winner.

Do you know someone who has triumphed over adversity, or an unsung hero who has made a real difference to other people's lives? A child of courage, a charity fundraiser, or simply someone with a heart of gold?

The scheme, run in association with the Bolton Evening News, North-west based construction company Bardsley Construction and Bolton Council, gives everyone in the borough the chance to nominate their own local champion.

After 12 months, the panel will select one overall Wanderers Champion for the year, who will receive a trophy and a special gift from Bardsley Construction.

Steve Hughes, editor of the Bolton Evening News, said: "We are delighted to take part in such a marvellous venture which can only help to highlight much of the good work that goes on in our community."

Those wishing to nominate a potential Wanderers Champion can do so by writing to: Wanderers Champions, Bolton Wanderers Football Club, Reebok Stadium, Burnden Way, Lostock, Bolton, BL6 6JW, or email wanderers champions@bwfc.co.uk

Make sure you give the name of the person you are nominating and brief details of why you think he or she should be a Wanderers Champion. Remember to include your own name and address and contact telephone number.