SKATER hockey starlet Hannah Archer is celebrating after receiving a £500 donation from the MARS Refuel Drink Fund.

The 19-year-old Swindonian, who is studying a sport development and coaching sciences degree at Bournemouth University, was part of the Great Britain team that recently finished sixth at the World Championships in Rome.

She took up the sport when she was 12 and now trains with GB in Sheffield alongside her home town club, Swindon Flames.

“To continue to train and reach my full potential I have to do a lot of travelling up and down the country, which is difficult when you’re a student,” explained Archer.

“Roller Hockey does not receive any funding so I also have to pay for my own kit and equipment.

“With this donation from the MARS Refuel Drink Fund I can continue my regular training with the GB team, as well as Swindon Flames.

“The funding will be a great boost to help me achieve this goal as it means I can train and play longer.

“My goal is to win a medal for my country at the next World and European Championships.”

Research undertaken earlier this year revealed that almost a quarter of people feel they do not have enough money to start out in a sport or keep going.

The MARS Refuel Drink Fund offers £500 awards to teams and individuals and has £5,000 to donate each month.

Applications can be made online at www.marsrefuel.com and those who are successful will be helped out with anything from equipment and travel costs, to improving training grounds and club houses.

Applicants must be 12 years or over and only one application will be accepted per person, club or organisation.