Celebration Night a Resounding Success

22nd October 2015Last night the Starr Trust held its fifth Celebration Night at Sussex County Cricket Ground, which brought together nearly 200 people, celebrating the lives and achievements of the young people helped by the Trust.Nicole Carman, Starr Trust Press Manager said “What a wonderful evening. The Boundary rooms at the Cricket Ground were buzzing with a real sense of excitement. This annual event is a great opportunity for all the businesses and volunteers who have supported us through the past year to come and meet our young champions and see what amazing things can be achieved by their generous donations and all the fundraising events they’ve attended. We are so grateful that they have pledged to continue working with us.”The Trust has raised a whopping £72,000 this year and helped to improve the lives of 24 young people living in Sussex.Many of the families spoke of how the Edward Starr Awards had transformed their children’s lives in so many ways. Claire Clements spoke of her daughter Hannah who took up kayaking at a very difficult time in her life and who is now in the Super Regional Squad working towards the English National Team. Whilst training she met Kayleigh Parsons, who was also having a tough time at school and the two became friends. Kayleigh is now in the Prem (Top) division in the GB Southern Regional Squad, going on to compete at the British Open Canoe Slalom event at the end of this month. Both girls undertook an Ergothon this summer, (kayaking for 8 hours non-stop!) and raised £1000 for the Trust.Alicia Dudeney also attended the event with her family. This young tennis player has been training hard, won the Sussex finals in July and qualified to take part in the HSBC Road to Wimbledon 14U National Competition. She reached the finals of the Girls County Singles, and won a trophy as runner-up in the Doubles, presented to her by Tim Henman.Ira Perrier’s mother Karen was also in the audience and watched an emotional video of Ira aged 15 when his family were experiencing difficulties and he first received an Award to pay for two years basketball training and participation in American tournaments. He then attended a specialist basketball academy and made the South East England under 17s squad. After doing brilliantly in a trial for the prestigious Florida High School, the Vanguard, he is now over in America for the next 2 years where he is studying hard and training with his American coach and his basketball team, who he sees as his second family.