A GLENGRAIG teenager is fundraising to help get her to the NI-KKO Roma Open in Italy next month. 

Taekwondo champion Jodi Skivington (13) is gearing up to compete in the championship in Rome from March 16 to 17. 

To help cover the costs of the competition, which grandmother Lesley says could reach up to £1,500, Jodi is seeking sponsorships to help get her there. 

Lesley, who has set up a GoFundMe for her granddaughter, told the Times: "[The fundraiser] is at £529 so she’s done quite well so far.

"We’ve set the target for £750. Obviously, we’re not expecting folk to put up the full cost because it’s a lot with flights and all of that, it was just to get help."

Central Fife Times: Jodi will compete in Rome next month.Jodi will compete in Rome next month. (Image: Supplied)

They are hoping for support from individuals and local businesses. 

She continued: "It would just be a wee confidence boost, knowing that you have the backing and that everybody is rooting for her back home.

"With it being so far away there will be less people there supporting her than what there would be at a local competition so I think it's just knowing that she has the support and backing and that people want to see her succeed. "

Jodi, who first started the sport when she was just seven years old, is fully committed to the sport and plans to teach it to others when she leaves school. 

Lesley added: "She’s quite fit, she’s also started doing kickboxing as well, but she’s just recently started that and she trains four times a week. She’s got quite a bubbly personality.  

"She’s hoping that when she finishes at the school she can go on to teach Taekwondo because she’ll be sitting her black belt this year and already helps out so she’s fair looking forward to it."

To help Jodi get to Rome next month, visit the GoFundMe page. For local businesses looking to sponsor Jodi, message Jodi Skivington TKD on Facebook.