A YOUNG gymnast is appealing for help to make her Olympic dream a reality.
Eleven-year-old Erin McLachlan trains and competes 20 hours each week at venues across Yorkshire.
She was Yorkshire champion at eight, nine and 10 years old.
And just recently she gained a bronze medal at the National Compulsory Grade Two competition in Liverpool, where she competed against the best of Britain’s young gymnasts.
But because of her age, there is no sports funding for Erin and last year her family paid £4,000 in costs to help her follow her dream.
In February this year family and friends organised a successful fundraiser to help with this year’s costs.
Her mum Lisa, of Lower Hey, Meltham said: “Erin has worked extremely hard and showed commitment and dedication to her sport. She will now progress to next year’s Espoir Championship, which is one step closer to national squad selection and ultimately her dream of becoming an Olympian.”
Erin, who formerly attended Greenhead Gym Club, is in her final year at Meltham CE Primary School.
Her coach Steve Henshaw is also looking forward to many more successes. Erin has also received training support from coaches Claire Wood and Galina Antonenko.
The fun evening organised by family included live music, bingo and raffles.
Erin, who was a member of Greenhead Gymnastics Club has also received donations from Meltham Town Council, Meltham Crossroads, Coop Logistics, Kirklees Sporting Legends and West Yorkshire Sports.
Costs include membership and competition fees, travel costs and equipment.
Lisa said: “I would like to give a big thank you to everyone who has given Erin any kind of support over the past year. Without your help she wouldn’t have got this far. However we would still ask for further support to help make her Olympic dream reality.”
