Emily Campbell (centre) receives cheque from Bulwell Traders

The Nottingham Markets team has presented a cheque to a local weightlifter to help her achieve her goal of reaching the Olympics in Tokyo next year. 

The team, which manages the city’s outdoor and indoor markets along with stallholders from Bulwell Market, handed the money to Emily Campbell, who is a current Commonwealth Bronze medallist 

Emily is ranked ninth in the world and on track to qualify for next year’s Games. But she still needs to do well in China next month, as well as at the European Championships in Moscow next April, to ensure she can travel to Tokyo in July with the rest of Team GB.

The money, which comes from stallholder contributions, will help Emily with her competition travel and accommodation costs, as her bid for the top spot is almost fully self-funded.

Emily’s family has a long association with Bulwell Market and its traders with both Emily and sister Kelsie being kitted out for school every year by Kev Burkett, who’s stood on the market for close to three decades. The family still regularly shops there.

Emily was recently at Bulwell Market giving a demonstration with members of Atlas Gym where she trains. She was also joined by her parents who have continually supported her dream of making the Team GB Olympic squad.

Councillor Dave Trimble, Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Culture at Nottingham City Council, said: “Having a local athlete bidding for an Olympic place next year is incredibly exciting, not just for the residents of Bulwell but for the whole city, and I’m personally looking forward to keeping track of Emily’s progress over the coming months and cheering her on in Tokyo next year.”

Emily added: “I can’t thank the stallholders enough for their wonderful contribution to my competition costs. It really does means so much to me.”

Anybody wishing to support Emily’s Olympic bid can make donations via her Gofundme page, set up by her sister, Kelsie, at: bit.ly/SupportEmilyCampbell