Elizabeth Wallis celebrates award

Elizabeth Wallis, from Littleborough, is celebrating after receiving a £500 donation from the MARS Refuel Drink Fund.

Nineteen year old Elizabeth started kayaking in her summer holidays aged just eight years old. She is now training up to eleven times a week and competing nationally in both the sprint and marathon flat water kayaking events.

Elizabeth, who also works as an outdoor activity instructor, says: “I used to do white water kayaking but injured my shoulder last year. The injury has meant I’ve had to switch to the flat water disciplines this year but I’m delighted with the progress I’m making. During my first flat water sprint race I could barely keep the boat upright, now I’m aiming to get into the GB team.

“With the donation from the MARS Refuel Drink Fund I plan to purchase some winter training kit. Because I was injured last winter I don’t actually own any winter kit which is going to be essential for the days when I will be training in the dark and having to break the ice to get my boat moving! After my comeback from injury this funding is a massive boost which will help me train all winter and play longer. A big thank you goes out to MARS Refuel.”

Research undertaken by MARS Refuel earlier this year revealed that almost a quarter of people feel that they don’t have enough money to start participating in sport, or to keep that involvement going.

The MARS Refuel Drink Fund was created to help people overcome the financial barriers and to play sport for longer by offering £500 awards to teams and individuals.

The MARS Refuel Drink Fund runs until September 30 2011 and has £5,000 to donate each month.

Applications can be made online at www.marsrefuel.com offering support with anything from equipment and travel costs, to improving training grounds and club houses.

The fund is open to residents of, and clubs and organisations based in the UK and Republic of Ireland only. Applicants must be 12 years or over and only one application will be accepted per person, club or organisation.