A world champion kickboxer from Limavady says she will be "gutted" if she cannot raise the money she needs to defend her title at an international competition later this year.
Charlene Murray - recently crowned Senior Female of The Year by Limavady Sports Council - was part of the 2007 winning Northern Ireland squad who clinched the world team title in Germany.
The 25-year-old won silver in the individual event at the s
ame competition, beating stiff competition from around the globe.
To defend her title, and go for gold in the individual event, the Titans Kickboxing Association member needs to raise at least £1,200 to pay for accommodation and flights to Disneyland, Florida, where the competition will be held.
But, so far, the young supermarket worker has only been able to raise just over £100. She says she has about eight weeks to raise the remainder of the money. If she fails, Charlene will have to withdraw from the competition.
"I'd be gutted, big time," the 5-foot 6-inches tall kickboxer told the 'Journal'.
"I have my name out there, and I want to win the team event again and the individual event and bring them back to Limavady."
Titans' chief instructor, Willie Lowry, says Charlene's absence at the competition would be a "big loss" to Limavady.
"There aren't too many world champions in Northern Ireland," he said, explaining his student won the Irish title in Dublin at the weekend.
"She's a real inspiration," he said, explaining the 60-member club has seen an increase in female membership because of Charlene. "They look up to her. She's an ambassador."
Mr. Lowry says the Titans hope to arrange fundraising events to help Charlene raise the money. In the meantime, he is appealing to anyone who wants to donate to call him at 07976939476.
The full article contains 310 words and appears in Journal Tuesday Derry Edit newspaper.
