A PARALYMPIC swimmer has vowed to stay and compete in Beijing as a tribute to her late mother.

Liz Johnson, 22, described mum and primary school teacher Bonnie, 53, as the biggest influence on her career.

The 22-year-old - who won silver four years ago in Athens - will swim in Beijng.

Mrs Johnson, of Rogerstone, died at the Velindre Cancer Centre in Cardiff on September 1 after a year-long battle with cervical cancer.

The swimmer, who is being accompanied by her sister Robyn and father Shane, has said that if it wasn't for her mum, she probably wouldn't be swimming.

In a recent interview, she said: "She taught me to believe that I was no different to anybody else and that I shouldn't feel inadequate or threatened by anybody."

A statement from British Swimming said Liz Johnson will be staying in Beijing to compete and finish off the events she has.

It added: "Naturally she is upset but she will continue to compete for Great Britain in memory of her mother."

Mrs Johnson's sister Karen Lang said her sister had followed Lizzie’s journey to the Paralympics - often putting everything aside so she could get her to training or competitions.

It was Mrs Johnson who first took her daughter swimming at the age of three to help her with her cerebal palsy.

Liz swam with Pontypool Dolphins between 2003 and 2005 and went to Bassaleg School.

After completing her teaching qualification at Trinity College, Carmarthen, she returned to Maesycwmmer Primary School where she taught for almost 30 years. In recent years she took the post of deputy head.

Her funeral will be held at the Gwent Crematorium Chapel on September 23 at 10.30am.

The family have requested family flowers only, and asked that donations be made to the Velindre Hospital or the St David's Foundation.

Liz Johnson is competing in the 100m breaststroke on Friday, while the 50m butterfly and 50m freestyle follow on Saturday and Monday.

Her cyclist boyfriend Jody Cundy, 29, rode to gold yesterday in the men’s LC2 one-kilometre time-trial.