Hello, my name is Emma and I am fundraising on behalf of my neighbour, British Judo legend, Dr George Kerr CBE.

The lift in our building has been broken for almost three years now. After numerous attempts to have our factors rectify this issue, we have finally secured a quote to replace the unit, and as individual tennants all must contribute £6933 to get this project started.

George, a Scottish Judo champion, was one of the first athletes to go to Japan and study there. He brought the skills of physical training and the philosophy of Judo to Britain and to Europe. After his own career, he developed himself as an international referee and oversaw two Olympic Games in 1972 and 1976 and three world championships between 1969 and 1975. He was awarded the rare 10th DAN for international services to Judo in 2010, one of only 5 non-Japanese out of 19 people ever to be awarded this honour.

Last year at the age of 88, George underwent gruelling surgery, leaving him needing to use two walking canes to get around. Living on the second floor of a 5 story building, with a non-functioning lift means getting in and out of his home is no easy feat, and I’ve often come home to find him and his lovely wife, Pauline, facing the challenge of the stairs together.

I think George deserves to leave and enter his home with dignity and without struggle, and I would love to see the Judo and the wider community rally to help contribute towards these enormous costs to repair the lift, finally, without the added financial burden. Anything you can spare, even the cost of a daily coffee one day, would be hugely appreciated. Thank you!