A SHAW cyclist hopes to live her dream after qualifying for the world championships in her sport.
But Kaylen Davis needs funds to be able to represent her country in July.
The 14-year-old achieved a personal best in the sport that gives her focus as she suffers from anxiety attacks to reach the competition in Zolder, Belgium.
She has already received a £200 donation from the Crompton and Royton Rotary Club but more money is needed to make sure she can go for glory.
“We’re probably looking at almost another £1,000,” said proud father Allan. “The kind donation from the Rotary takes care of the ferries but she’ll have to be in Belgium for a week or so.
“Kaylen is doing really well. This is her fourth year of racing at national level but this year she achieved a personal best and it’s always been one of her dreams to qualify for the world championships.
“We’re doing our best to get her there. BMX racing is her passion and really gives her focus.”
Away from the racetrack, where Kaylen often dominates, the North Chadderton School pupil finds herself battling anxiety.
Sometimes, although rarely, that can even manifest itself with her vomiting and Allan told how she sometimes gets an attack before competing.
But once she lines up on the start line, it is very different.
He added: “She gets very emotional and it can be like big bouts of nervous behaviour.
“Sometimes before a big race it can get to her but once she gets up on that start hill, her focus and adrenaline kicks in.”
Kaylen, a member of Manchester BMX Club, which is based at the National Cycling Centre, certainly puts in the miles in her quest for success – or rather her family does.
Allan explained: “Events aren’t always down the road. Next month we’ve a national event in Birmingham and then a regional one in Crewe.
“Over the coming months, we’ve got national events in Birmingham then it’s down to Peckham in South London and the week before the world championships, there’s one in Glasgow.
“It takes a lot of commitment from us and a lot of chauffeuring!
“I’d say in the last two years I’ve done about 30,000 miles taking Kaylen up and down the country to events.
“Thankfully, North Chadderton School has been great in allowing her days off to attend events and we’re very grateful to them for that.
“And a lot of homework is done online these days, so she can do a lot of it in transit – or in another words, she can do it while she’s in the back of the car!”
BMX races may only last about 50 seconds but do not think they are easy going.
In fact. Kaylen has suffered multiple injuries over the years as riders race in groups of eight, starting from a 5m hill and race over a series of jumps and corners until the finish line, with riders reaching speeds of about 30 mph.
Her father Allan said “This year we have just about covered all of her local and national races, but we are struggling to find the costs.
“Even simple accommodation for a weekend costs a small fortune but the world championships would be a lifetime memory for her and we would hate for her to miss out on this opportunity to ride for her country.”
• If you want to sponsor Kaylen, you can do so by contacting Allan on 07749 923218.