HIGH jump star Poppy Lake is celebrating winning a £1,000 SportsAid award courtesy of the Rendezvous Casino in Southend.

The 19-year-old former Southend High School for Girls pupil has had a tough season this year after falling ill with a bout of glandular fever.

So the grant from Rendezvous Casino has come as a welcome boost.

“I am so grateful to the Rendezvous Casino,” said Lake, who has just completed her first year at Loughborough University. “Committing to sport at a high level, at a young age, can be a real challenge.

“This donation will help me make this commitment not only for financial reasons, but thanks to the extra vote of confidence outside my support group, which has given me a real psychological boost.”

Lake is now back in training after five months of battling with glandular fever but is unlikely to be back competing until next year.

Johanna Johnstone, venue director at the Rendezvous Southend said: “It is incredibly rewarding to be able to praise a local youngster’s tough efforts in the form of funding. Poppy is clearly a very talented young athlete and we’re delighted we’ve been able to help her pursue her passion. We take great pride in our charity work, especially when it comes to supporting our local community.”