Kayleigh
Kayleigh, 16, from Lancing was facing challenges at school and by way of a distraction she found a foundation kayaking course at Adur Outdoor Activity Centre. She loved it and seemed to take to it with ease; through her coach Stewart she became interested in Slalom and asked if she could participate in some of the competitions.
Kayleigh won or was placed at all of the competitions she entered and was selected to be part of the GB talent programme based at Lee Valley and Shepperton, training three times a week in London as well as land training and flat water training at Shoreham. At the end of this season Kayleigh finished 14th in the country in her division, and the highest ranking short season paddler. Her aim is to represent her country and ultimately compete at the Olympics. We awarded Kayleigh £3000 to purchase a new kayak and for some training sessions.
Kayleigh’s mum Trisha says:
This award is just such wonderful news and will still cant quite believe it. It is going to make such a massive difference to them all and it will most certainly help Kayleigh in chasing her dream.
July 2015
Kayleigh and Hannah raised over £900 in an 8 hour Ergoathon on Saturday 15th August at Adur Outdoor Activities Centre in Shoreham-by-Sea. They took up the challenge to paddle alternately on an Ergo machine for a total of 8 hours and they are asking if you, your friends and family would kindly sponsor them in this Challenge. Please go to their fundraising page to find out more. Kayleigh says “I had a really amazing day and loved every minute of the ergoathon experience. I feel so privileged that I was able to receive a grant from the Starr Trust and really pleased that I have been able to raise some funds so another person can also benefit from the Trust the same way I have”
May 2015
Kayleigh competed in Nottingham in May. It was a really tough & technical course; probably the hardest she has ever competed on. On her first day she finished 22 out of 42; not as good as she would have liked. However, her 2nd day was much better; she tackled the course really well, finishing 5th out of 41, and receiving a trophy for the highest placing junior under 16.
April 2015
Kayleigh had her first race of the season on Saturday 28th March; she came 2nd with a time of 129.25 and received a trophy (pictured below). On Sunday 29th she came 4th, missing out on a trophy but receiving a medal for the fastest Junior under 16. A great result for Kayleigh!
Support A Starr
To Support a Starr, fill in the form below to sign up. To find out more please email rosie@starrtrust.com or tracey@starrtrust.com.
Support a Starr