A Helensburgh woman has been named among the UK's most inspiring female cyclists. 

Joanna Martin has been recognised in Cycling UK's 100 Women in Cycling list for her work encouraging others with spinal injuries to try handcycling.

After an accident in 2005 changed her life, leaving her with a spinal injury, Joanna turned to handcycling to maintain her mental and physical health.

In 2019 she undertook a 360-mile ride raising money for the Motor Neurone Disease Association.

She now acts as an ambassador for Spinal Injuries Scotland and continually works to promote handcycling for others with spinal injuries. 

Joanna said:  "I have always been keen on keeping fit by cycling, running and rowing but, in 2005 when I had an accident leaving me with a spinal injury and paralysed from mid-chest down, it became a lifeline.

"Prior to Covid-19 I was cycling with a group of handcyclists at Castle Semple at Lochwinnoch and, as an ambassador for Spinal Injuries Scotland, continually work promoting handcycling for others with spinal injuries.

"Without my ability to get out cycling no matter what the weather, my mental and physical health would not be where is is today."

Joanna was nominated for the 100 Women in Cycling by Maureen Morrison, who said: "Joanna has a spinal injury and is a real inspiration to disabled people. She is a keen handcyclist and has been for many years.

"She is always first to come forward to take part in activities for the charity to show others how cycling can have a positive impact on people's lives.

"As a charity, we do host events ourselves to show our SCI members all of the different sports they can take part in and be able to demonstrate for them. We wouldn't be able to do this without her. She is just fantastic."

Cycling UK’s Women’s Festival of Cycling runs until August 1.