OLYMPIC hopeful Leigh Lennon has received a boost after earning a £21,000 sponsorship from Samsung.
The firm have agreed to sponsor Leigh as she takes a year out and is spending her time focusing on her running with the aim of competing over 800m in the World Junior Championships in Canada next year.
The 18-year-old has a big year ahead and she is currently training with World Championship bronze medallist Jenny Meadows and another GB runner Helen Clitheroe as she looks to improve her two lap time.
"It’s a huge boost to get the sponsorship and it shows her talent is being recognised," said dad and coach Don.
"Leigh is going out to South Africa twice in December for a month and in April to train and this money will help with travel costs and accomodation.
"It is a godsend for us and it’s good as it means all the focus will be on trying to get Leigh to the top level of her sport and it will provide welcome support for medical needs and so on."
Leigh, whose best time is 2 minutes 05:93 seconds over 800m which makes her the sixth best Under 20 in the United Kingdom even though she is one of the youngest, already has her clothing sponsored by Adidas and the 2016 Olympics is the major focus for the talented athlete.
"She has been training all over with Jenny and Helen," continued Don.
"They have been in the sand dunes in Formby, at Haigh Hall and at Sports City in Manchester.
"It’s a big thing for her to be training with such a high level of athletes and hopefully it will pay off next year."
Ribble Valley Athletic Club, of which Leigh and other Hyndburn athletes are a part, are having their presentation evening on Saturday with Jenny Meadows presenting the prizes.
