A single mum struggling to juggle the rising costs of bills with her daughter's gymnastics dreams has been overwhelmed by the support from other parents after bravely asking for help.
Mum-of-four Nikki Smith was left facing the agonising decision of whether she could afford to send her daughter to the TeamGym British Championships and other gymnastics competitions this year as the cost of living crisis bites. Nikki from Fenham said her daughter Nerrisah, 11, has been training at The City of Newcastle Gymnastics Academy for the last six years, but increasing utility bills meant that she was struggling to cover the annual competition and training costs which amount to more than £2,000 each year.
With her other children also taking part in sports including dancing and basketball, Nikki feared these activities would have to be cut so they could cover living costs.
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"When there was talk of all the price increases with the dreaded utility bills it was a case of me sitting down and thinking, 'How do I do this?'" she said.
"Is it a case of not paying a bill one month to stretch a little bit further? I'm a single parent and I know this is at the forefront of many families' minds at the minute.
"I've not had a night out in four years or taken the kids on holiday because I have been prioritising the kids' activities on a monthly basis. I thought, 'Am I going to have to approach Nerrisah in a few months' time and say I can't afford to pay for her gymnastics because it costs quite a lot of money?'"
A friend suggested Nikki set up a Go Fund Me Page to help cover the costs of Nerrisah's gymnastics, but the 43-year-old was initially reluctant to ask for help.
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"I felt a bit conflicted setting up the page because she doesn't have to do this," she said.
"To a lot of people, it is a hobby, it's not something that is life dependent. But a friend said that this is Nerrisah's need.
"If she doesn't do this, what effect would that have on her emotionally, physically and mentally? She lives and breathes gymnastics."
Within days of setting up the fundraiser, donations and messages of support poured in from parents who were touched by Nikki's plight. So far the page has raised £690 enabling Nerrisah to compete in the TeamGym British Championships in Sheffield earlier this month where her primary challenge team came fourth.
Nikki, who works as a financial administration officer for a youth charity, said the donations were "mindblowing" and believes her situation may have resonated with many families.
She said: "There are many families facing the [same] decision and thinking, 'Do I have to stop my child from playing football on a Sunday or the costs associated with their sport or activities, because I have to find the money for the bills?'
"I have been absolutely blown away by people's generosity, support and love.
"Thanks to them Nerrisah has been able to compete and it has been such a relief. The 'mum-guilt' and pressure has been lifted for a moment off my shoulders.
"It was something that I struggled to do but the feedback that I have had from it has been crazy."
Nerrisah has secured her place n the TeamGym regional squad for 2022 and is now training to compete in a number of competitions including the TeamGym English Championships in Newcastle this May and the TeamGym Northern League in Sheffield in July.
To donate to Nerrisah's gymnastics fundraiser visit: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-my-daughter-get-to-her-competitions
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