A TALENTED figure skater with her sights set on Olympic stardom has got a huge funding boost thanks to an Essex Chronicle appeal.
The independent charitable trust Essex Community Foundation (ECF) gave 10-year-old Jasmine Cressey a £2,380 grant, just in time for Christmas, after reading about the rising star's struggle to find the funds to pursue her dream.
Jasmine's mum Michaella, of Felsted, said: "When I had the call from ECF to tell me how much the grant would be, I was speechless and stammered.
"I had to ask for it to be repeated, just in case I had heard wrong. Then I had to sit down promptly, as the amount is way more than I ever expected Jaz would receive.
"I didn't have a particular amount in mind, but to be told that figure was incredible and surpassed any expectations I may have had.
"It is a huge contribution to her training and ancillary fees for the year and thank you just seems such a small gesture in comparison to the benefit she will gain from the funding. I am so grateful for this extraordinary support."
Team GB skater Jasmine, who trains at the Riverside Ice and Leisure Centre in Chelmsford, has her sights set on skating at the 2022 Winter Olympics and the money will help her work towards achieving her dream.
ECF was able to respond by making allocations from three of the funds it manages – The Annabel and Gerald Malton Charitable Fund, the Young Sport Fund and matched funding from the Essex and Southend Sports Charitable Fund.
Jasmine, who took up skating four years ago said: "Ice skating is the thing I love to do most in the world, it is my life and I can't live without it.
"I am so happy about the grant from ECF which I needed to help pay for my skating so that I can reach my goal of being in the Olympics.
"I am very dedicated to my sport and I train at Riverside, Chelmsford, at least eight times a week and sometimes I am on the ice at 6am. I am the youngest person ever to become a member of the GB training squad for ice-skating and I hope I will be British champion in a few years. Also, I am tipped for the Olympics in 2022 and I am excited about this"
Jasmine's coach John Wicker added: "Jasmine has extraordinary focus for such a young age and is very passionate in every aspect of her skating, dedicating many hours of time to her training.
"Looking to the future, I am confident that she will obtain the title of British Champion and will progress further to international competition and eventually the Olympics."
Jasmine takes part in the Riverside Christmas ice show each year and took the part of one of the dwarves in Snow White, which ran until December 22.
Caroline Taylor, deputy chief executive of Essex Community Foundation, said: "At ECF we manage more than 100 funds and distribute grants to a wide range of voluntary organisations and community groups.
"Through a few of our funds we are able to make allocations to individuals and we are delighted that we have been able to give this support to Jasmine.
"Anyone who is interested in supporting aspiring young people to help achieve their sporting ambitions can contribute through ECF and we can match their contribution £1 for £1 from the Essex and Southend Sports Charitable Fund."
