A young badminton player from Telford, who has already been tipped for success on a world level, has been given a cash boost by a regional builder to help her achieve her Olympic dreams.
Jessica Pugh, aged 20 from Shawbirch, applied to Persimmon Homes West Midlands to become one of its Healthy Communities winners.
Through the scheme, £750 is up for grabs each month until the end of the year with the money to be spent on sports kit, equipment, coaching or facilities.
Jessica said: “I cannot thank Persimmon Homes enough for their support as my ambition is to become a world or Olympic champion. Badminton England has identified me as one of Britain’s brightest hopes for success at world level and as a result given me the opportunity of a lifetime to train full-time at the National Badminton Centre in Milton Keynes.
“To give me the best chance of achieving my dreams, Badminton England is making an investment in my future development by funding my training tournament programme as much as they can. However, I am also now expected to make a substantial contribution towards my career by helping to fund my development over the four-year Olympic cycle.
“I also need to restring around two to four rackets on a day-to-day basis which I pay someone to do. With this donation I will be able to buy a stringing machine of my own.”
Stephen Cleveley, director-in-charge for Persimmon Homes West Midlands, said: “Jessica is exactly the kind of talented, hard-working youngster that we are keen to support, and we wish her well in pursuing her Olympic dreams!”
Amateur sports teams and individuals aged 21 years and under across the region are eligible to apply for the Persimmon Homes West Midlands Healthy Communities awards until the end of December.
A shortlist of 30 will then be created for a national final to be decided on a public vote, with the winning club or individual receiving £200,000 while two runners-up will receive £50,000 each.
To find out more, visit www.persimmonhomes.com/charity
Shropshire Live is regulated by 