Powerlifter, 16, picked for Commonwealth contest

A teenager from Bournemouth has been chosen to represent England at the Commonwealth Powerlifting Championships in South Africa.

Harvey Chester, from West Howe, has been competing for two years, as well as caring for his mother who is registered blind.

The 16-year-old, who is still at school, took up the sport four years ago as something to do during lockdown and is now the England under-18 champion.

He has set up a fundraising page to help pay for his trip to Sun City in October, which is expected to cost in the region of £3,000.

Harvey said: "It's one of the biggest events in powerlifting so a lot of pressure.

"Because it's in South Africa, and it's a self-funded sport, there's flights and hotels to pay for, and you have to stay at the appointed hotels which are four or five-star hotels."

BCP councillor for Kinson, Michelle Dower, is among those supporting Harvey.

She said: "What they need in West Howe is as many positive role models as possible and Harvey Chester is a positive role model."

She said Harvey was also being backed by the local community centre which was holding a fundraising quiz night on Thursday.

Harvey's mum, Nikki, said: "He's very busy - he also coaches at a football club and he's an FA referee as well.

"It would mean everything to him. He's worked so hard for this - he's non-stop working. He deserves it."

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