A young athlete from the Wirral is hoping to represent Great Britain at an athletics championship this summer, but needs funding to help fulfil her sporting ambition.
Discus thrower, Zita Aspell, who attends Bebington High Sports College, is aiming to be competing in France during the Catholic Schools Sports Federation international games.
The July competition is being held in Beauvais and Zita needs to raise over £1,000 to pay for entry, travel and accommodation costs.
She told JMU Journalism: “I started throwing when I was 10 years old. Being chosen to represent Great Britain is more of a shock, but also an honour to be able to have this opportunity.”
The 16-year-old is hoping for the help of the public to help her get to France. She said: “The fundraising has been going well so far. People have been so generous and we already have £185 so far. I have put collection buckets in places such as New Brighton, in the Light Cinema and other local pubs and shops.”
Zita, who is in preparation with Wirral AC and Wirral Harriers, said: “I train five times a week at a track and I also do other forms of training such as running. I try to do some form of exercise every day to keep my fitness levels up and to help with seed work.”
The teenager has improved her discus-throwing by four to five metres each year. She explained: “I got nominated by a few coaches. The important part of being selected is down to how consistent you are as an athlete.”
Zita’s family has left a statement on her gofundme page which reads: “The cost of funding her entry to this without outside support is out of our family’s reach, so we are hoping with the help and kindness of all you lovely people out there we can reach the target needed to be able to help send Zita there.”