A 13-year-old kickboxer from Whittlesey has been selected to represent England at the world championships in Portugal.
Charlie Bird first tried out the sport 19 months ago and has been travelling across the country for competitions since.
After being selected to represent his country, he launched a GoFundMe campaign to help towards the costs of getting there.
Friends, family and the wider community have helped him raise almost £1,800 of his £3,000 target.
Proud dad Michael said: “Thank you to everybody who has already contributed towards Charlie’s GoFundMe page.
“This is a dream come true and a massive opportunity for him.
“He’d never really done anything before sports-wise until he found kickboxing.
“But Charlie’s coaches saw something in him, pushed him along and there’s no looking back now.
“He's smashing it and will hopefully be competing alongside some of the best fighters in the world later this year.”
Charlie started kickboxing at British Chinese Kickboxing Association (BCKA) Peterborough and now trains between four and eight times a week.
Sometimes he travels to Corby for training sessions.
- Top Story: Man died after seven-hour wait in ambulance outside hospital
- Top Story: Parents still in limbo over new Wisbech school decision
Charlie came first in one of the categories at his first competition and has won multiple medals at other events across the country.
Most recently he competed in the WKKC English Championships his second place in the light contact category earned him a place representing England.
The WKC World Championships Charlie has been selected for take place in Portugal between October 26 and November 2.
To help him get there, donate towards his GoFundMe campaign here.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here