Village store backs mountain bike champ

The owner of the shop in Broughton has given £500 to the crowd funding appeal aimed at raising £7,000 for Rebecca Kennedy.

Rani Jolly, who took over ownership of the shop before Christmas, has been swayed by Rebecca’s determination and commitment to downhill mountain biking.

“I met Rebecca some months ago and I was impressed by her integrity, good nature and obvious strength and self confidence,” she said.

“She has had some unfortunate experiences having her race bike stolen and her finger damaged. The finger looks terrible, but it doesn’t seem to stop Rebecca at all.” Rebecca said: “My crowd fund appeal is already over £4,000 and the target is £7,000. I hope to exceed this target but I wanted to set an achievable target both for the crowd fund and for myself.” Rebecca, 20, from Earlston, has reached the top rank in her sport - she won the senior women’s Britain Downhill Championship last year - despite suffering from type one diabetes since she was six.

The money raised will allow her to join the Steve Peat Syndicate team, which includes a race bike and kit as well as coaching and support from Steve Peat himself.

“Rani has been a great support and all I can do is thank her profusely and do my best so that her contribution is considered good value for money,” said Rebecca.

May Fraser, the manager at the Broughton shop, said: “We will keep a very close eye on Rebecca’s progress over this year and into the future.

“I am sure this strong community will take note of Rebecca’s website and add further contributions to the crowd fund.

“We wish her the very best of luck with the Steve Peat Syndicate and above all, getting to her dream target of World downhill mountain biking champion one day.

“It is a great feeling to have been able to contribute in a small way and feel part of Rebecca’s long term sporting development ’ If you would like to help Rebecca further and get more background detail, the website is www.rebeccakennedy.co.uk