YOUNG Huntingdon gymnast Aim�e Eaton has been given a springboard to success after receiving a donation from the Dickie Bird Foundation.

YOUNG gymnast Aim�e Eaton has been given a springboard to success after receiving a donation from the Dickie Bird Foundation.

The �222 – the cost of competing for a year – means 10-year-old Aim�e will not have to quit competitive gymnastics at Huntingdon Olympic Gym Club, where she has trained since the age of five.

The money will go towards a club leotard, tracksuit and apparatus grips, without which the Crosshall Juniors pupil could not compete.

Aim�e’s mother Anne Eaton said: “My husband was unemployed for 18 months due to the recession and it can become very expensive to compete.

“I couldn’t get funding elsewhere because there is little funding for developing potential in gymnasts, especially such young gymnasts, so this was important help for Aim�e’s gymnastics future.

“I want to spread the word that there is help out there for others in this situation.”

Aim�e, of Otter Way, Eaton Socon, hopes to follow in the footsteps of fellow Huntingdon gym club members Luke Folwell, Commonwealth medalist, and Louis Smith, Olympic bronze medalist.

Aim�e thanked the foundation, which was set up in 2004 to help young people fulfil their sporting dreams, and said the money would be a big boost to her future in gymnastics.

She said: “I love doing my sport and am determined to improve and learn more gymnastic tricks.”

Former cricket umpire Dickie Bird said: “I am delighted to help Aim�e Eaton, who is clearly deserving of our support, and look forward to following her progress.”