A TRIO of tough young travellers need sponsorship to help them win gold medals for England in a European karate championship.

Real life karate kids Natasha Smith, aged 12; her cousin Kathleen Finney, 14, and Sam Smith, 14, of Worcester, have been selected to represent their country in the 37th European Wado Kai karate championship in Dublin, which runs from Friday, October 23, to Sunday, October 25.

The mums of the trio say the trip, which includes the cost of flights, hotels and taxis, will cost £1,500 in total for all of them, which is difficult for them to afford.

The money would also help fund another competitor, Katrina Wilson, the daughter of the karate instructor David Wilson, who trains with Natasha, Sam and Kathleen at Hon YoSo Kai karate school at Blessed Edward Oldcorne Catholic College in Timberdine Avenue, Worcester.

Sixteen-year-old Katrina, of Diglis, Worcester, who is not from a travelling family, is a 2nd dan black belt who has won European titles in England, Romania and Sweden for the last three years and wants to continue her unbeaten run.

Maria Smith, 36, of Smite caravan site in Pershore Lane, Worcester, the mother of Natasha, said: “All of us mothers are very pleased and proud of them. We just want a little donation to help us. We don’t want people to pay for the flights but anything is better than nothing.”

Sam’s mum, 36-year-old Kathleen Smith, of Waterside Park, Offerton Lane, Warn-don, Worcester: “Sam wanted to be able to defend himself if he got in any trouble.

“He has done ever so well to get picked just a year after he started training. He’s got to go against black belts and he is only a green belt but he’s very determined to do it.

“I am so proud that the children are travellers, representing the first travelling people to go into this competition.” Ann Finney, 36, also of Smite caravan site, the mother of Kathleen, said her daughter was brave enough to compete in the competition despite having asthma and needing repairs to her tricuspid valve in her heart at Birmingham Children’s Hospital.

Mrs Finney said: “These girls are tough and they can handle themselves against the lads. I want her to bring back gold for England. Come on, give these kids a go at bringing back the gold. Come on Worcester and come on England.

“Don’t let us down. It would be a shame if these kids couldn’t go.”

If you can help, contact David Wilson on 07933 26935.