AN inspirational sportswoman has been rewarded by Scottish Hockey after becoming the club’s12,000th member.

Wendy Gossman of Ardrossan Hockey Club became the milestone member after returning to the game following a series of medical setbacks.

Officials from Scottish Hockey presented the 37-year-old with a prize at a ceremony to commemorate the landmark occasion.

Despite having to give up sport twice in the last few years due to health issues, Wendy has managed to bounce back each time.

First, she was struck down with post-viral fibromyalgia, which left her house-bound for four months. She then returned to hockey but contracted sepsis six years ago following surgery.

Wendy said: “To go from being fit and active to being able to do nothing was very depressing.

“It fits my life now, and to still be able to play after all of my ill health is just great.

“It is a fantastic team – they have all got a decent mentality about the game, and it really is like a family in a lot of ways. And I like being able to flit in and out – that is what I want from hockey now.”