A campaign to help a Norfolk athlete achieve her Paralympic dream in 2020 is to receive a boost from the county's business community.

Some of the region's leading business figures and sporting achievers will gather at Sprowston Manor on Friday, November 10 to launch an appeal in aid of swimmer Jessica-Jane Applegate, who is striving to compete in the Tokyo Paralympic Games.

The appeal, which has been established by East Anglian enterprise agency Nwes, will also be the chosen cause of the EDP Business Awards 2017, which are being held on November 2.

Speakers at the Sprowston Manor event – which is themed around celebrating the 'inner champion' – will include former swimming champion Karen Pickering, shot-putter Danny Nobbs, footballer Adrian Forbes, and Applegate herself, who will detail her determined journey to compete in the 2020 games.

An online auction, managed by Norfolk firm Sellebrity, is also taking place and is expected to raise thousands of pounds for the appeal.

Auction lots include a signed Norwich City football shirt and football, a week's stay in a private villa in the south of France, and training time with Miss Applegate.

Appeal organiser Kevin Horne, chief executive of Nwes, said: 'From the moment you meet Jessica-Jane you get a sense of her determination, and her commitment to achieving the Paralympics dream in 2020.

'As a business, we've long been supportive of people with learning disabilities, so I was drawn to wanting to help Jessica-Jane in her mission, as she is perfect proof that such issues should never hold you back – in a professional or sporting career of any kind.'

Miss Applegate added: 'I am so grateful to Nwes and to the Norfolk community for all they've done so far to help me achieve my goal. I'm very much looking forward to the launch event in November, and to seeing what great prizes and opportunities are available on the auction. I'll certainly be adding in some sports memorabilia from my own collection!'

• The corporate breakfast event is ticket-only, but the auction will be open to all from 11am on November 10. Nwes is keen to hear from anyone keen to offer auction prizes or to take part. Contact events@nwes.org.uk