A HEARTFELT JustGiving crowdfunding campaign has been launched to help raise the funds to allow an inspirational local teenager compete in the Topper World Championships, at Longcheer Yacht Club, in China, this August.
Fourteen-year-old Rose Edmonds, from Great Bircham, King’s Lynn in Norfolk, has been given the chance to join the GB Sailing Squad heading for the Topper World Championships and has received partial funding but now needs to raise some extra funds to help with travel and accommodation.
Rose, who attends Smithdon High School in Hunstanton, started sailing at the tender age of six at the Snettisham Beach Sailing Club in King’s Lynn (where she is still a member) after her Grandmother’s next-door neighbour introduced her to the first ‘On-Board’ RYA Course at the club. Up until that point nobody in Rose’s family had ever sailed.
Rose said, “I first sailed the club Optimists, but soon had my eye on the Toppers. I did our club’s Cadet Week (Junior Sailing Week) that year and every year since, although last year was the first year I did it as an Assistant Instructor.
“By my third Cadet week I had my own boat, a very old Topper which I sailed for a couple of years before I up-graded to my much-loved Mad Hatter, now sailed by my brother. I won my first trophy that year, picking that trophy up was one of the most exciting moments of my sailing career, you always remember your first.
“I was lucky enough to be bought my baby, Red Queen, a lovely race rigged Topper, that’s when I started sailing at regional events, winning Bronze at the East Zone Championships two years running and being selected for East Zone Squad.
“Since doing that winter training and sailing in that year’s National Topper Series my sailing really improved, I went to the National Championships in Pwllheli, North Wales. When I was able to sail at my home club, I enjoyed crewing for a former 2000 National Champion, learning a lot from Jasper Barnham.
“I had competed, and done well enough in the Nationals and National Series to be considered for partial funding for this year’s Topper World Championships at Longcheer Yacht Club in China but need to find the extra funds required myself.
“My success, so far, has been down to a few great people, Jane Ellison, our lovely Senior Instructor; John Eaton, who has helped me understand how to race; Jasper Barnham, who has been very encouraging and a good tactical sailor to learn from and last but not least, the Snettisham Beach Sailing Club. I’m proud to be flying the flag for them around the country and now around the world.”
To support the appeal, please visit:
https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/sarah-edmonds-1
Press release from JustGiving.com