A BUDDING artist who suffers from a disease has been inspired to continue with her work after a chance meeting with her role model.

Ellie Zavaroni, 47, of Whielden Close, Old Amersham, made her way to Trafalgar Square in London to see the unveiling of a sculpture of disabled artist Alison Lapper and ended up meeting her.

The 12ft-high (3.6m) marble sculpture, entitled Alison Lapper Pregnant, by sculptor Marc Quinn attracted national coverage after it was unveiled on the fourth plinth at Trafalgar Square.

Ellie told the Free Press: "It was an absolutely amazing day. I only went along to see the sculpture. I had no idea I would get to meet Alison but it was great. Being disabled, it's very difficult to get around, but I have lost a limb as well, so I can relate to Alison.

"She spoke to me and told me to continue with my art course at the Buckinghamshire Chilterns University College (BCUC), and she told me I could do it. It was such an inspiration and something I will cherish for the rest of my life."

Ellie suffers from Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD) which affects her nervous system, she has an artificial limb after losing one of her legs 12 years ago as a result of the condition.

She has always admired Alison, who has strived to lead as normal a life as possible despite not having any arms.

She added: "I was treated like a guest of honour. Alison allowed me to hug her and she got me a chair to sit on, and the atmosphere was just amazing. There have been times when I have wanted to give up my art because of my illness, but Alison's words will inspire me to carry on."

Mr Quinn said he had sculpted his friend Ms Lapper, who sat for the artist when she was eight months pregnant, because disabled people were under-represented in art.