Hello, my name is Isabella Whitelaw (Bella) and I'm 12 years old. I live in Wellington, Somerset.

During the weekend of May 2025 I competed in the National Triathle and Laser Run Championships which took place in Dorset. Although I am 12 and competing in my first year of the under 15 female category, I wanted to challenge myself by competing an age group up in the under 17's. This decision was supported by my coaches although when race day came and I saw who I was up against, I may have questioned myself a little. The Triathle and Laser Run form part of Modern Pentathlon and consists of shooting, swimming and running over set distances for your age group. Its really good fun.

I have qualified to compete for Great Britain in the under 17 female individual Triathle and Laser Run to be held in Alanya, Turkey from the 5th to the 9th of November 2025. Although I am happy to be given this opportunity it does come at a considerable financial cost. This is why my mum has set up this Go Fund Me so that I can reach out to as many people as possible to try and make this happen.

Children are not funded by Pentathlon GB for International or European competitions which makes it an expensive sport to enjoy if you qualify.

More recently, I travelled to Liverpool and competed in the Under 15 female Laser Run championships and gained the qualification time for the World Championships. I also competed at Dorset for the Triathle World qualifier and also gained the qualification time. I am waiting to hear whether I will be on the GB Team to compete in Mossel Bay, South Africa from the 8th to the 13th of December 2025.

The costs associated with both competitions are huge which is why I will be trying to raise money by swimming from Lyme Regis to Charmouth and back. It will be a big challenge so I hope you will sponsor me to do this. The date is yet to be confirmed as it depends on the sea and wind conditions.

THE DISTANCE IS 6.3KM!!! 

To give an idea of costs entry into Triathle and Laser run is £94.75 but if I am chosen for a relay this will increase.

-£60 towards Coaches and Team Managers

-£60 pistol carriage on flights

-£50 for GB vest and t shirt - required for all athletes

-£130 for GB Tri Suit - required for Triathle

-£700 for flight and accommodation to Turkey - this is just for me.

-Transfers cost

-£60 pentathlon training for the term

The costs are likely to be double for South Africa so I very much need all your help.

I am very grateful for this amazing opportunity and to experience competition at International level.

I know these are tough times financially but, if you can spare some change, I would be so grateful.

Thank you for taking the time to read this. I hope you will follow my journey

Bella x