Hi, Im Thea Leadley from Letterkenny, Co Donegal. Im a 5th year pupil at Loreto Letterkenny and I took up fencing in September 2024 for Giasce.

This August I'm going to Nigeria to represent Northern Ireland at the Commonwealth Games in Lagos, Nigeria. I will be competing in in the U23, Senior Women's and Team Epee Events.

I train 5 days a week, a mixture of fencing, strength and conditioning and plyometrics in addition to working hard on my school work.

I have been travelling across Ireland and regularly to the UK to attend competitions and training in preparation for the Commonwealth games.

Competing internationally is a great honour but there are a lot of costs in training at home and in the UK in addition to the cost of equipment, teamwear, flights, transfers, competition entry fees and accommodation.

Thanks to everyone for their support and I really appreciate any help you can give me. Im so grateful to have this opportunity as a building block for my fencing future.

Thea Leadley