Rower Charlie Talbot is a step nearer to reaching his 2012 dream, thanks to a bed centre business in Maidstone.

Chris Gammon Bed Centre, in Allington, has sponsored the 15-year-old with £500 each year for three years to help him fulfil his rowing potential.

Cabinet Member for Leisure and Culture, Cllr Brian Moss, said: “The Maidstone’s Dream project is really taking off now and we are having a positive response from many of the borough’s businesses.

“Companies are seeing our athletes’ potential and are helping them in their quest to compete in the London 2012 Games. The future of this project is exciting and any way a business can help is very much appreciated by these athletes.”

Charlie is the fourth athlete to be sponsored as part of the project and is elated. He said: “I am so grateful someone is prepared to believe in me and provide financial support to enable me to contribute to train and hopefully fulfil my dream. Chris Gammon has committed to sponsor me for a three-year period.

 
“To have someone else looking out and believing in you I find very inspirational.  My parents have supported me solely but having this sponsorship will enable me to take part in further training courses and purchase training equipment that I require to develop further, and I feel much happier at not having to burden my parents.”