Ipswich Gymnasts Delighted to Receive Financial Support

Ipswich gymnasts, Abigail Roper (18) and Charlie Harvey-Lloyd (18), both dedicated members of Pipers Vale Gymnastics Club in Ipswich, have been granted financial support of £1,000 each from the Ipswich Sporting Lunch Club. This generous funding will assist them in covering the expenses associated with their rigorous training and participation in elite-level gymnastics competitions.

The grants were presented to Abigail and Charlie by none other than the esteemed British gymnast, Beth Tweddle, MBE. Beth Tweddle, celebrated as the greatest-ever British female gymnast, boasts an impressive career, including Olympic success, triple World Championships victories, six European Championship titles, and Commonwealth Championship achievements spanning several years.

An elated Abigail expressed her gratitude, stating, “I’m so grateful to SportsAid for providing me with this funding. It really will make a huge difference to me as I work towards representing Wales in the Northern European Championship in Sweden later this year.”

Charlie, currently transitioning into senior-level gymnastics, shared his aspirations, emphasizing the significance of the financial support, “My ambition is to become a successful gymnast and compete at the highest level, but it is very difficult to afford the essential equipment and training costs. This funding will make a world of difference to me.”

The Ipswich Sporting Lunch Club, proudly sponsored by eight local businesses, including Pound Gates Chartered Insurance Brokers, Ellisons Solicitors, Ensors Chartered Accountants, Waller Transport Services, Fenn Wright Surveyors and Agents, Handelsbanken, Beckett Investment Management Group, and StrategiQ Marketing Ltd, organizes biannual sporting lunches to raise funds for SportsAid, the National Charity for Sport. SportsAid collaborates with the governing bodies of 75 sporting disciplines to provide crucial funding to support talented athletes at pivotal stages in their sporting journeys.

Since its establishment in 1976, SportsAid has assisted tens of thousands of athletes by distributing over £50 million in awards. The charity boasts an extensive list of successful alumni, including prominent names such as Jessica Ennis-Hill, Mo Farah, Tanni Grey-Thompson, Sarah Storey, Steve Redgrave, Katherine Grainger, and Daley Thompson.

Alistair Mitchell, representing the sponsors on behalf of Fenn Wright, acknowledged the abundance of talent in Suffolk and emphasized the sponsors’ commitment to nurturing local talent. He noted, “While Suffolk boasts a wealth of talent, it sometimes needs a helping hand to flourish. As sponsors, we recognize the depth of talent in the county and are committed to lending a helping hand where it’s needed.”

Beth Tweddle offered her heartfelt appreciation to the Lunch Club sponsors, underscoring their invaluable role in supporting young athletes in Suffolk. She stated, “Without organizations like those behind the Ipswich Sporting Lunch Club, SportsAid would not be able to support as many athletes as they do. Talented young individuals from Suffolk would miss out on vital funding. I would like to thank them on behalf of the many young athletes their fundraising has already supported and will continue to support. It truly makes a tremendous difference.”

The next Ipswich Sporting Lunch Club event is scheduled for March 2024. Businesses interested in attending are encouraged to contact Sally Peck at sally@sportsaid.org.uk for further information. For additional information about SportsAid, please visit www.sportsaideastern.co.uk.