Amateur MMA fighter Millie-Rae Vardy is aiming to bring a gold medal back to Ashfield when she represents her country at the IMMAF MMA European Championships in Venice.

Now 25-year-old Millie-Rae, who was selected by the English Mixed Martial Arts Association, is appealing for help to fund her trip to Italy for the prestigious event, from 27th September to 1st October.

She explained: “During competition week I will represent England, fighting on consecutive days against other European nations.

“To compete I am required to fund everything from flights, hotels, medicals, and entry fees myself as MMA is not covered by Sport England, nor does it receive Lottery funding like a lot of other sports.

“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for me and another huge milestone on my journey to achieving my dream of becoming a professional fighter. Any help is greatly appreciated!”

Millie-Rae, who has set up a GoFundMe page to receive donations and has raised almost £2,000, was given a boost when Ashfield MP Lee Anderson visited her to add £300 (above). She has also received £250 from The Armchair Club, a group of local businesspeople who back local sportsmen and women.

She added: “Lee has very generously donated to fund my dream trip. He stayed to chat about how my training in preparation is going and my future plans in the sport of MMA. Thank you for kind words of support and the donation.

“A massive thank you to everyone who has also donated already. All donations, big and small, make a huge difference.

“I’d also like to thank my sponsors — Westville, Fit CBD, and Santu’s Plaza, Sutton — for their continued support.”

To support Millie-Rae go to GoFundMe and search for Millie-Rae Vardy.