A devout Christian battling an airline over her right to wear a cross at work has vowed not to give up her fight, despite a setback.

Nadia Eweida, from Strawberry Hill, will not be protected from the spiralling costs of her discrimination case if she continues to fight British Airways (BA), the Court of Appeal ruled last week.

Miss Eweida was told in 2006 she could not wear the Christian symbol around her neck while working at Heathrow at check-in.

The case went to an employment tribunal, which she lost. She was later granted permission to take her case to the Court of Appeal.

The airport worker, who was sent home in September 2006 and was off work without pay until February 2007, was told during last Thursday’s hearing that a £25,000 cap put on costs was to be withdrawn and she would have to pay the £3,500 costs of the hearing.

But she pledged the case will continue if she can raise the £50,000 she said is needed.

“I’m disappointed,” she said. “But people have been praying for me, so I’m not down and miserable.

“I believe I will win the case. I have had a legal team to support me at every stage and when someone has dropped out someone else then comes in.

“So far I have not put any money in so it must be from Him.

“I will find a way to do my part.”

Miss Eweida, of Strawberry Hill Close, said she was discussing an idea whereby supporters of her case donate £1 to human rights organisation Liberty – which is helping her fight the case – and if the case does not go ahead Liberty can use the cash.

“In the Bible it says you have to persevere and overcome,” she added.

“To give up and be defeated when help is coming is not right.

“When the help stops I will know it is time to quit.”

A BA spokesman said: “We are pleased with the decision. As proceedings are continuing it would be inappropriate to comment further.”