THE Dame Kelly Holmes Trust has received a £20,000 donation from train operator Southeastern to help fund the charity’s new ‘Get On Track’ courses.
These are designed to help transform the lives of disadvantaged young people by providing them with mentoring from world-class sportsmen and women.
The double Olympic champion Dame Kelly said: “Today’s significant donation by Southeastern will support new projects in the region which will transform the lives of young people who need our support.
“What makes me most proud about the partnership is that Southeastern sees the complete picture. They don’t just support the Trust financially but also create opportunities for them to thrive in the workplace and empower others.
“I’m really proud to see young people here today who have been through a ‘Get on Track’ course and been given an opportunity by Southeastern to flourish.”
Three members of the scheme were present at Dame Kelly’s Café 1809 in Hildenborough for the handover of the cheque.
Martine Kydd , 26, Lewis Travers-Smith, 25, and Charlie Evans, 22, all from Kent, have since found employment with Southeastern.
Martine, who now works as an Employability and Projects Officer with Southeastern, said: “It’s inspiring to work with athlete mentors, they’ve done so much in their lives.
“To know that they’ve failed and got back up and done it, makes you realise that you can do it, no matter where you come from or how hard your life’s been. If you want something, you can do it.
“From the Get on Track programme I’ve realised the confidence I had in myself; how much I could do if I really pushed myself and didn’t give up
“The athlete mentors wouldn’t have let me give up if I’d have tried and it felt good to have that push behind me.”
