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Please meet Jack who was awarded the Postal Family Fund Rising Stars bursary. With our support, Jack has been able to pursue a sport that might otherwise have been financially out of reach. We spoke to his dad and postie, Richard Hoskins about how the bursary has impacted the family and Jack.
Why did you apply for the Postal Family Fund bursary?
Jack has been passionate about sailing from the age of 7 when he first stepped on a boat at our local sailing club open day. Jack was hooked instantly, Jack asked to go back the next day to attend Junior training. Eight years later and Jack is still as passionate and ambitious to succeed but is now an assistant instructor at the club teaching others to sail. Jack has been fortunate to be awarded two bursaries from the Postal Family Fund, the first helped Jack to represent GBR in the optimist class at an International Event, and the second awarded this year has enabled Jack to attend high-performance coaching that is run by the RYA after being a success in gaining a place, along with supporting with costs of attending the RS Feva National Championships at the end of May. The Bursaries along with Jack’s own determination and ambition are enabling Jack to continue his sailing dream of representing GBR at an Olympics.
What impact has the bursary had?
The impact of being awarded the bursary has been huge it has allowed Jack to attend events that otherwise may not have been able to. It has helped pay for high-level (Olympic-level) coaches that Jack may not have been able to access without the award. It has allowed Jack to compete at the highest level – regionally, nationally, and internationally.
It has allowed Jack to follow his dreams, by giving him the best opportunities to be successful. It has also taken away part of the financial burden of his parents, sailing can be an expensive sport, with the long journeys to events and the cost of the coaching and equipment, the bursary has certainly helped to cover these costs.
What would you like to say to other postal workers thinking about apply for a bursary?
100% yes, we would recommend the Postal Family Fund to colleagues the financial help that is on offer makes a massive difference to the rising stars. And as stated it opens doors to new opportunities that may have not been an option without the bursary.
