Kerrison boosted by Suffolk SportsAid funding

Mendham’s Joe Kerrison has been recognised as a potential star of the future after being awarded funding from Suffolk SportsAid.

The teenage boxing star recently represented England at the Three Nations Championships, where he saw off competition from Scotland and Wales to clinch the gold medal in the 65kg class.

Kerrison was presented with a cheque for £750 by SportsAid Eastern trustee Adam Baker at Lowestoft Boxing Club, with the funding to help towards the cost of training and future competitions.

After receiving the cheque the delighted 14-year-old said: “It is a great honour to receive a grant from SportsAid.

“It will make a big contribution towards the cost of training and travel to competitions.

“To be recognised by the charity and follow in the footsteps of some of the amazing sportsmen and women that SportsAid has helped over the years spurs me on to keep working hard and striving to be the best I can be.”

Kerrison follows in the footsteps of some of the most iconic names in British sport by receiving support from SportsAid including Bradley Wiggins, Steve Redgrave, Jessica Ennis-Hill and Anthony Ogogo.

SportsAid is a national charity established 40 years ago to help young sports people overcome the financial challenges they face in their bid to become Britain’s next generation of sporting heroes.

Baker added: “One of the persistent myths out there is that talented athletes are somehow already funded.

“In reality the financial pressures they are under are huge, so every penny that the charity can provide to help them can make a world of difference.”