Hi. My name is Manjinder, a 51 yr old mum of 3 and I’ve earned a place to represent England at the European Sumo Championships 25 to 28 June in Scotland.

This will actually be the second time I’ve represented England, having previously done so for England Students in Rugby in my 20’s, which makes this opportunity even more special some 30 years on.

If you’d told me I’d go from rugby to sumo at 51, I wouldn’t have believed you. But after winning gold in my weight category and silver in the open weight at the English National Sumo Championships in March, here I am preparing to compete in the Euros.

I’ve stepped into something completely new and it’s scary but I’m grabbing this opportunity with both hands.

Sumo in England is self funded, so I’m raising money to cover the cost of the competition and training in the lead up. The cost is higher than I originally anticipated and so I have had to revise the amount a few times to help cover the following:

Competition entry fee (3 categories);

Accreditation;

Full board accommodation (£410 approx);

flights (£279) and transfers (£95 approx) to and from Gatwick to Scotland;

travel insurance,

team and other kit;

Twice weekly training costs (Southampton and London 15 trips - one round trip to London costs approx £75 each time);

Weekly intense physio (£55 a session)

6 week S&C programme (£399);

pending securing sponsorship opportunities.

Any support will help, big or small and make a real difference and help me represent England (again). Thank you for your support.