THE family of a kickboxing mum have launched a fundraising campaign to help her take on the best in the world.

Young Vikki Allen has fought her way to a place at the World Kickboxing Championships, in Switzerland, later this year.

The 23-year-old has already won a raft of medals, including a gold award in last year's British Championships, and in March came home with that two silver medals that earned her a place in this year's British squad for the big event in September.

Her mum Karen, of Top Barn Road, Newchurch, is now appealing for help to get Vikki on the road to success.

Karen said: "She really wants to be able to go but when you're a young mum it's hard to raise the cash."

She needs to raise £800 for her first world championships where she is hopeful of getting a medal.

Vikki, who trains twice a week at Alfs Blackbelt Academy, in Stacksteads, is no stranger to hard work after bringing up her four-year-old daughter, Leoni.

Vikki said: "I really hope I will be able to make it because it will be good to compete against the world's best and see how I compare.

"I am hopeful I will come back with something but you never know how things are going to go until you get there and see the strength of the competition."

Vikki, who lives in Staghills Road, Newchurch, has been saving but is still around £600 short of the final total.

Anyone wanting to help can contact Vikki on 01706 600178 or 07969 571066.