The 37-year-old recently lifted two medals at a prestigious competition in Wales.

Karen joined around 50 other learning disabled athletes to take part in the Special Olympics Great Britain National Badminton Tournament in Cardiff.

And it was a fruitful weekend for Karen when she returned home to Carbrain sporting a gold medal from the mixed doubles event and a silver from the ladies' doubles.

Karen has been involved in sport for many years, firstly in athletics and then netball, for which she was medal winner at the 2005 Special Olympics in Glasgow.

Although a medical problem with her knee put paid to her netball, Karen was not beaten and took up badminton.

"I have always been interested in sport, and have been competing in badminton for a couple of years," she said.

However, Karen can still find time in her busy sports schedule to indulge in another favourite pastime – art. She currently attends classes at Cumbernauld College and has already had some of her work exhibited.