A HATTERSLEY man and his two children are believed to have created a piece of sporting history.
Paul Walker, daughter Lexi and son Leighton have all been selected to fight for Great Britain at the World Kickboxing Championships in Killarney, County Kerry, Ireland, in October, an event which attracts about 3,000 competitors.
The three are all members of Hattersley North West Chinese Kickboxing which has been based at St Barnabas’ Church hall for the last eight years.
Paul, 37, will fight in the Masters category while Lexi, 12, in the junior under-40 kilo section and Leighton, 8, in the junior under-30 kilo class.
Paul, Lexi and Leighton Walker
“As far as I am aware, it is the first time a father and his two children have competed at the World Kickboxing Championships,” explained Rick Allsop who runs the Hattersley club which meets each Sunday between 5pm-6pm.
“Three members of my family competed at the world’s but it was me, my sister and niece.”
There are about 40 members in the Hattersley club which includes 15 regular fighters.
Since it was established, it has also produced nine British champions.
The Hattersley club is run by Rick, 50, a six times world champion, and sister Sharon who has won four world crowns.
As kickboxing is not funded, there is a financial burden on competitors, and it will cost the Walker family about £3,000 to make the trip to Ireland.
They have set up a JustGiving page with the hope of raising £1,000 towards the cost and people can contribute on the link below.
The family wrote: “After four years in kickboxing, it has become part of our lives with a lot of hard work, training, competitions and dedication.
“We have been invited to represent our country in Killarney and compete with the best in the world which is a massive achievement.
“As kickboxing is not funded and we need £3,000 so we are asking for a little help with our journey.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.”
• Find out more and donate: www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/teri-walker