South Gloucestershire | Archive | 2005 | November | 25
From the archive, first published Friday 25th Nov 2005.
A YOUNG karate champ from Rangeworthy will be joining her big sister to represent England in an international competition in Spain and has come into a windfall before her departure.
Becky Oram, of Church Lane, flew out to Spain this morning with older sister Katie to take part in the International Karate Championships in Valencia.
And thanks to the generosity of local group the Berkley Hunt Agricultural Society, the young karate kid will have £500 cash to make the trip extra special.
Mum Wendy told the Gazette how Becky, aged 10, came into the windfall. "Katie, 12, had already had money raised for her by a local pub fun day but Becky still hadn't raised anything but we didn't want to ask people for money before Christmas," she said.
"They wanted to do something at the school but we felt this wouldn't be fair before Christmas so told them not to do anything.
"One of the governors at Becky's school said he would speak to somebody he knows and a few days later we had a call from the Berkley Hunt group to say they would give Becky money for the trip.
"It was such a nice surprise," she added.
The group, which organises the annual Berkeley Hunt Show, decided to help the family because of its links with the farming community.
Member Christine Carter told the Gazette: "Our connection with Becky and her family is through their involvement with the agricultural community.
"Becky has done exceptionally well to excel in her chosen sport and we are happy to support her," she added.
Wendy said that the £500 gift would definitely help make Becky's trip one to remember.
She said: "We are flying out early on Friday for the competition and will come back on Sunday. We only found out that Becky was having the money this week and she received it at a surprise ceremony on Wednesday."
The mum-of-four added that she and her husband would be accompanying their young daughters on the adventure.
Wendy added: "We don't know whether the girls will get selected to represent their country again so we want to be there for them."
© Newsquest Media Group 2008