Chadwell Heath 'Robin Hood' archer lives the dream

A TEENAGE archery champion is about to head off to the sunny island of Malta for her first international competition abroad.

Rebecca Wilson, 16, of Cecil Road, Chadwell Heath, who is getting ready for the Spring International Archery Tournament in Malta, has been fascinated by bows and arrows since she was seven years old.

It all began with her seeing Disney's Robin Hood video.

Now Rebecca is the Essex number one in her age group, ranks seventh in Great Britain, is the Junior Southern Counties FITA cadet champion, and she has a big collection of medals from the many tournaments she won.

Dad, David Wilson said the Olympics were her ultimate ambition but this year her focus will be on gaining good GCSEs as there is no money to be made from the sport.

"This is where Living the Dream comes in. Without their support, she would still shoot, but it is a financial struggle because it costs a lot of money."

Rebecca trains at the Abbey Bowman Archery Club in Hornchurch, and at Brettons Farm Centre, Rainham Road, and will be heading to Malta for four days on April 15.

The Dagenham-based Living the Dream charity was founded in 2007 to financially support talented athletes who live or train in the borough, but are appealing for more support.

The Trust runs a giving scheme of a few pounds a week, with all donations going straight to helping the athletes paying for training and equipment.

Chairman Jeremy West said: "This is the borough's gift to our young 2012 hopefuls. Just imagine the pride we will feel when one of our stars gets on the podium to receive an Olympic medal."

Living the Dream paid �420 for Rebecca's flight and accommodation, as well as for a special hard case to transport of her equipment.

For more details how to donate, contact Teresa Parish on livingthedreambandd@hotmail.co.uk