KIDDERMINSTER'S Claire Cashmore lines up against the world's number one disability swimmer tomorrow fighting another less high-profile battle -- against glandular fever.

The former Hagley RC High School pupil, aged 16, takes on four-time Athens gold medallist Natalie du Toit in the women's 100-metre backstroke just days after being diagnosed with the illness.

Canadian superstar Stephanie Dixon is also in the field at the Visa Paralympic World Cup in Manchester but Cashmore, who scooped two bronze medals in Athens in September, is ready to come out fighting.

She said: "I'd love to beat Natalie and Stephanie. They are quite far ahead but I'll give it my best shot.

"If I get bronze and show I'm still doing as well as I was in Athens then that's an achievement -- maybe more so because of the glandular fever, but I don't want to use that as an excuse.

"It's not been great but I've managed to train OK so I can't complain. I only found out this week and I've only got it quite lightly."

Cashmore, whose left arm is severed at the elbow, celebrates her 17th birthday a week after Saturday's races.

She added: "It would be a double celebration if I managed to pick up a medal but my first priority is a personal best."