EFFORTS TO CATAPULT an aspiring Moray competitive cyclist onto the national and international stage are being redoubled with a £5000 fundraising target.
Miltonduff youngster Georgia Mansfield currently holds the Scottish record for 25-miles in the junior cyclist category – as well as the north of Scotland records at the same distance and over 10 miles.
She was also the winner in junior category of the Scottish Women’s Road Race series this year – these and other accolades all made possible by her own determination and the backing of a team of volunteers determined to raise the financial support required.
This week Georgia met with keen amateur cyclist Richard Lochhead MSP as he gave his backing for efforts to raise the funding required by the Elgin High School pupil.
“Cycling has really taken off in Scotland and it is great to learn that we have an emerging talent like Georgia here in Moray,” Mr Lochhead said, adding: “The cycling community is getting behind her and I’ve offered to do what I can to help ensure that Georgia can meet the costs involved with training.”
These costs include ensure the 17-year-old is provided with the correct nutrition and equipment as well as travel to attend training and events, with her voluntary team having provided over £8500 in the last two years.
One of those helping with Georgia’s ambitions is Sheila Scott, who explained: “We raised £3500 to help fund Georgia over the last season – and we were rewarded by some fantastic results and her own supreme desire to compete at the highest levels.
“This year, need to raise at least £5000, as additional travel for an even greater number of races is required along with costs of her development programme – we currently have £1000 committed to fund travel and accommodation only for six-month programme in Glasgow.
“We have attracted some sponsorship for 2016-17, but anticipate we will need more, so any and all offers of sponsorship or donations from the local community would be very gratefully received.”
Anyone wishing to discuss how they might help Georgia should contact Sheila by Email to Sheila@sheilascotthaha@gmail.com or visit https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/Project-Georgia.