Hello everyone,

My name is Viola and I'm Julia's mother. I decided to start this fundraiser so Julia can have her knee reconstruction surgery as soon as possible. The most important thing for us is to get Julia back to sports as quickly as possible and in the best form possible because sport has been her entire life.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for every donation, even the smallest, which will enable us to raise all the necessary funds.

Below, there are a few words about Julia.

Hi, my name is Julia and I am 15 years old. For as long as I remember my life has been filled with sport. I started swimming at the age of 4 and it always brings me great joy. I joined Ballymena Swimming Club when I was 8. In the meantime I also trained gymnastics for 7 years. My greatest achievement in gymnastics was winning a silver medal with my team at TeamGym Mezzo Cup in Crewe.

Mainly due to lack of time I unfortunatley had to give up gymnastics because combining gymnastics and swimming training became impossible.

My every day looked the same - school, training and studying; but it worked for me.

Two years ago I joined Ballymena United Football Team which I love. I somehow managed to combine football training with swimming and matches with swimming galas. My life was perfect because it was filled with sports.

During half term I injured my knee. After getting an MRI scan I found out I had completely tore my ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament) and need surgery followed by extensive rehab.

I am devastated by what happened and how it will impact my life. I hope that after the surgery I will slowly return to my pre-injury form and be able to return to sport. I know it won't be easy but I can't imagine my life without sport.

I would really appreciate any donation both small or large to help me towards getting this surgery. I would appreciate the support.

Please share this with your friends, family and anyone who may be able to help.

Thank you!