A TWELVE-year-old is fundraising to compete in two major international races, with a planned 6.3km swim to secure donations.

Wellington resident, Bella Whitelaw has qualified to compete for Great Britain in the under-17 female individual Triathle and Laser Run to be held in Alyana, Turkey, this November.

Part of Modern Pentathlon, the race consists of shooting, swimming, and running over set distances for each age group.

Having secured the necessary qualification times, the athlete also hopes to compete for the GB team in Mossel Bay, South Africa in December.

Mother Claire said: “Bella has to juggle her academic work alongside her sporting commitments which takes a lot of discipline for a 12-year-old child.

“The only person she’s in competition with is herself, always trying to do better and being a good role model to others.

“We are so happy Bella has these opportunities and can represent her country.”

Pentathlon GB do not, however, fund children to take part in international or European competitions, so Bella, with support from her mum, has set up a Go Fund Me to help cover the cost of travelling to and participating in each race.

Claire shared that it was “very difficult financially” to cover all the costs involved, including purchasing new GB kit, entry fees and flights.

As part of the fundraiser, Bella will be swimming from Lyme Regis to Charmouth and back this October, a total distance of 6.3km, under the guidance of open water swim coach LymeBay swimming.

Bella said: “The costs associated with both competitions are huge which is why I will be trying to raise money by swimming from Lyme Regis to Charmouth and back.

“I am very grateful for this amazing opportunity and to experience competition at international level.”

To find out more about Bella’s journey, visit Claire Whitelaw’s GoFundMe web page: www.gofundme.com/f/help-bella-to-compete-at-the-european-championships