CARDIGAN racer Tanisha Thomas has overcome the odds and serious illness to fight her way back to the top of the motocross world.

Just three years ago, having wrapped up the ladies title in the 2015 Acerbis Amateur Nationals series, Tanisha decided to have treatment on an ongoing back issue that she believed to be result of a crash.

However, surgeons discovered a tumour that was pressing on her spine.

Unable to walk, at one point it looked as though Tanisha would never race again but she refused to give up and now her fighting spirit has been rewarded.

“I think I took a year out,” said the 24-year-old from Cardigan.

"As soon as I could actually walk again I was back on the bike and did the Girls’ Nationals at the end of 2016".

Last year Tanisha's amazing attitude carried her to a second place in the Acerbis Amateur Nationals and then less than two weeks ago she regained the title with a dominant performance at Pontrilas.

Tanisha has also won another Championship this year, coming out on top in the Girls’ Nationals.

What makes her achievement all the more remarkable is that she still only has partial feeling in her feet which causes problems out on the racetrack.

"Because I don’t have full feeling in my feet I was always struggling with gear changes and the back brake,” said Tanisha.

“It was very hit and miss last year but now i've got used to how to ride with it. I have some sort of feeling but it’s still not 100 per cent.

"I've stayed consistent this year with top three finishes and have also had a couple of wins which has been a bonus. It feels amazing to be champion again.

“I would like to thank my sponsors Ngage Racing, GTTyres, Tanygroes Car Dismantlers, Mark Jukes Containers, Pro Green Mx, Putoline Oils, ESP and ET James.”