A BRADFORD student is raising money to help fund a trip to the World Cheerleading Championships in April.

Sophie Austerfield, 17, who goes to Tong Leadership Academy, is a member of the Team England ParaCheer Hip Hop squad.

The team is competing at the championships in Florida, USA, but Sophie needs help raising money to fund the trip.

ParaCheer allows mixed disability cheerleaders to perform together.

Sophie has struggled with mental health issues since she was 11, but cheer has always helped her battle through.

She said: “I have suffered severely with mental health issues such as anxiety and depression.

“Going to dance and cheer was something that really helped me get through it. Last year I hit what I would call rock bottom and doing things like going to school and dance was a real struggle.

“It’s always been my dream to represent my country and somehow I found the strength to go and try out for Team England ParaCheer Hip Hop and I made the team. However, the cost of everything adds up as flights, entry fees and training has to be paid for by ourselves.

“Please help me show that having a mental health issue doesn’t have to stop you from reaching your dreams.”

Daniel Styles, principal of Tong Leadership Academy, added: “It is amazing that Sophie has been able to use her talent in dancing and cheerleading to represent her country.

“We are so proud of her as we encourage our students not just in their education but also in their passions and to follow their dreams outside of school.

“It takes a great deal of maturity to juggle both schoolwork and extra-curricular hobbies. We are all rooting for her to bring home a medal and hope that the generous people of Bradford will help her realise her dream.”

Sophie is appealing for businesses and the public to sponsor her to realise her dream of representing her country.

If you would like to donate, contact Sophie’s mother Sharon Austerfield on ricnshaz@hotmail.co.uk