The British Judo Trust has helped single mum Christine Bushnell support her daughters passion for judo.

Christine’s 10-year-old daughter, Maya, attends Nutfield Judo Club in Surrey and is ready to grade as a red belt.

Christine said, “My daughter Maya has to forego many things that she would want to do, but as her school friends do judo and it is right next door to the school at a very reasonable price, I agreed she could do judo - at times when I wasn’t able to afford the fee.”

“Now she is very keen to upgrade her belt, as she is the only one of her friends who is still on a white belt,” she added.

Christine approached the British Judo Trust to help pay for Maya’s British Judo licence so she can continue doing judo and upgrade her belt.

The Trustees agreed to fund Maya’s judo licence so she can continue doing judo and developing in the sport.

“Maya was very pleased that she can now make progress, and hopefully keep up with her peer group. Also it has made her keener to attend, knowing that she can try for her next belt.

“I think it is very important to have charities that are able to help those who are less well off. Without this help from the British Judo Trust, Maya would not have been able to progress,” Christine said.

Emma Davies-Carolan, British Judo Trust Director, said, “Going from a white belt to a red belt is a very important transition for any young judoka and the British Just Trust was happy to help Maya achieve her goal and continue to progress in judo. We hope she continues to have fun with her friends doing the sport that she loves.”

The British Judo Trust is a registered charity set up to support the development of the sport of judo within the UK. If you would like to apply for funding please visit www.britishjudotrust.org.uk.