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A record-breaking powerlifter who could squat more than world boxing champ Anthony Joshua weighs has lost her battle with epilepsy.

Dot Shaw was legendary in the powerlifting community and broke world records in the sport, even completing a 300kg squat - almost three times Joshua’s 113kg weight.

The 54-year-old Durham grandmother died in June this year and fellow powerlifters have decided to pay tribute to the inspirational athlete.

Her daughter, Rebecca Shaw, said powerlifting was Dot’s life and that she had been “hooked” for more than 20 years.

Her transformation from a size six barmaid to full-time powerlifter even turned the mum-of-two into a world champion.

Rebecca, 33, said: “I remember how strong she was. She was a legend, everyone said she was the greatest female powerlifter in the universe.

“She never advertised herself because she was so humble, she never bragged.

“She was just an amazing person. I’m really, really proud of her.

“They say legends never die and she will never, ever die.”

(Image: Collects)

Dot, who suffered from epilepsy, died from a sudden massive seizure on June 12 while getting ready for the gym in her Gilesgate home.

In her honour, the Gateshead Power Sports club will hold a squat competition to raise money for charity and her funeral costs.

Chair of the club, Shaun Kelly, said Dot was “loved by all who knew her”.

He added: “We couldn’t think of a better way to honour her than host a squat competition in her name. Squat was her favourite lift.

“She was a really, really lovely person, very inspiring and really welcoming with new lifters.

“She has got fans and friends all over the world.”

(Image: Collects)

The competition will be held at the Hirst Welfare centre in Ashington, Northumberland, on August 5 with competitors and spectators welcome.

Around 50 people have signed up to take part in the competition with 100 spectators expected on the day.

Each lifter will be charged £20 with spectators asked to donate £10 to raise money for charity in Dot’s name.

Mark Sohatee, who is taking part in the competition, said: “I did not know Dot as well as some others at our weightlifting club, however, Dot was a lady whose inspiration preceded her.

“I already knew about her record-breaking squats and had heard how she had amazingly come back from an injury and still went on to break records.

“She had already been an inspiration to me for when taking up weightlifting.”

(Image: Collects)

Despite suffering an almost career-ending tendon rupture to both knees while attempting the 310kg world record in Las Vegas, Dot continued to progress in powerlifting before her death.

Rebecca, who lived with her mum, said: “Even people in my street didn’t know her achievements.

“I would like to put her trophies out on display with her ashes.”