Appeal for funding as talented Tahya takes on the world

Globetrotting taekwondo starlet Tahya Fells, of Hucknall, is aiming to conquer the world after adding another feather to her celebrated cap.
By The Newsroom
Published 14th Jul 2016, 13:26 BST
Updated 25th Aug 2016, 20:47 BST
ON TOP OF THE WORLD -- rising taekwondo talent Tahya Fells in action in Austria earlier this year.ON TOP OF THE WORLD -- rising taekwondo talent Tahya Fells in action in Austria earlier this year.
ON TOP OF THE WORLD -- rising taekwondo talent Tahya Fells in action in Austria earlier this year.

Twelve-year-old Tahya has been chosen to represent Great Britain at the World Taekwondo Poomsae Championships for the first time. And parents Paul and Tracey are hoping that local businesses will be able to help with the funding Tahya requires to make the long trip to Lima, Peru for the championships at the end of September.

“Everything has to be self-funded -- and it is costing us a fortune!” said mum Tracey (39) from the family home on Garden Road. “We will get her to Peru come hell or high water. But if anyone can help, it would be fantastic.”

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Tahya has travelled the world, as well the length and breadth of the UK, to compete in tournaments since emerging as one of the country’s brightest taekwondo talents. Only recently, she returned from Team GB selection events in Austria and Germany, while last year, she made her debut at the European Championships in Serbia.

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Each trip overseas costs at least £1,000, which balloons further if Tracey, Paul and Tahya’s nine-year-old sister, Jacee, travel over too. Both mum and dad work full-time, and Paul’s employers, Designer Glass, of Ilkeston, kindly covered the cost of the tournament in Germany.

The expense is proving well worth it, however, because Tahya has made remarkable progress since bursting on to the taekwondo scene at Hucknall’s Kang Han martial arts academy, where she still comes under the expert wing of Grand Master Ian Lennox. She has been crowned a national champion, has a black belt (2nd dan) and has been tipped as a contender to fly the flag for Britain at a future Olympic Games.

Such lofty aspirations were justified at the European Championships, where she won a bronze medal -- and might have won gold or silver but for some controversial judging. Since then, Tahya has medalled at every tournament she has entered, rewarding her dedication and determination, which means she trains virtually every day.

If you would like to help with funding, please ring Tracey on 07480 269451 or e-mail the family at [email protected]

Related topics:HucknallGreat Britain