Heather Mills has become the fastest disabled female skier in history.

The 47-year-old entrepreneur - who lost the lower half of her left leg after a collision with a police motorcycle in 1993 - set the new world record last week when she sped down the slopes of Vars in France at a speed of 103.6mph.

Heather - who was married to Sir Paul McCartney from 2002 until 2008 - was inspired by a small heart-shaped pebble given to her by their 11-year-old daughter Beatrice, telling HELLO! magazine: ''She found it on one holiday in Long Island and she gave it to me as a charm to keep me safe. I never go anywhere without it.''

Heather struggled to fit her lucky charm into her specially-designed kit, but was determined to carry it with her.

She explained: ''I had a specially made downhill-skiing outfit which is so tight that when I first put it on, I literally could only wear olive oil underneath so I could actually move.

''I was then told I had to wear an Alpine ski suit under it, which I thought would be impossible. But I managed to get them both on.

''The only thing I squeezed into a pocket was my little pebble from Bea.''