A Highbridge teenager has been awarded two top accolades at the annual Pride of Somerset awards.
Highbridge swimmer Chloe Edrich, 16, who recently qualified for the Olympic trials in Glasgow next year for the 200m breaststroke, has been recognised for her dedication to the sport and helping her disabled parents.
Proud mum Kelly Harvey-Edrich told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “Chloe is doing her A-Levels at college and also helps out with cooking and food shopping because my husband and I are both disabled. She still fits in training six days a week.”
Chloe deservedly won the outstanding young person of the year award and the overall outstanding person of the year award.
“We all cried when she was named the winner – it was a lovely surprise and such an emotional moment,” added Kelly.
The awards ceremony was held at Rookery Manor near Burnham-On-Sea and was attended by young people from across Somerset.
Chloe said she was “very proud” to have been chosen.
We reported last month that Chloe had stormed to victory in the open age group at the South West Championships at Millfield where she also set several qualifying times for the National Championships.
Chloe has also recently qualified for the Olympic trials in Glasgow in April 2016 in the 200m breaststroke and is also hoping to qualify for both the 100m breast and 400m Individual Medley too.
Kelly said the family is still seeking local businesses to give her some sponsorship. “We had some responses to last month’s appeal but would welcome further interest,” she said. “It costs thousands each national competition, let alone travel to and from training, race suits, and food etc.”
“At the moment my family are struggling to pay for it all but we can’t do that forever. Unfortunately in this country one doesn’t get money from National Lottery or other types of funding like that until they are at the top.”
