A young athlete is a step closer to funding an expedition to Ecuador.

Jamie Hagley, 16, is well on his way to raising funds for the trip to South America following a cheque presentation from the Seniyac Judo Club after a raffle was held to help raise funds for his trip.

The raffle raised a grand total of £422 towards the expedition, almost half of the money needed.

Along with the Seniyac Judo Club, Weyline Taxis, Curry’s, Smiths, Belvedere Inn and family and friends have all been supporting Jamie with his fund raising efforts.

Andrew Jump, 39, has been doing judo for 20 years and is a qualified instructor. He runs the Seniyac Judo Club which takes place weekly on Friday nights at the Weymouth Outdoor Education Centre, from 7 – 9pm. You can join the club from the age of seven upwards.

The first night is free for newcomers, and the club supplies judo suits if you do not have your own. After that the cost of each class is £5 for two hours.

Phyllis Jump, who helps set up the Friday classes with her son Andrew, said that the fundraiser was a great success.

She said: “When Jamie started the Judo classes he wouldn’t say boo to a goose.

“He was very shy. Now he’s confident in raising the funds for his trip to Ecuador.

“We only had three weeks to sell the tickets and set up the night, parents and friends all contributed to the raffle, with some people winning back the prizes that they gave out in the first place.”

The Belvedere Inn supplied four bottles of wine for the raffle prizes, and Weyline Taxis gave Jamie £100 worth of taxi fares to use.

Jamie is currently at Budmouth School studying IT, art and history.

He said: “It’s a once in a life time opportunity, I’m going with the school for one month on July 18 to take part in cycling, canoeing and climbing.”

The trip costs a total of £2,200. Jamie already had £1,000 saved up, and with the funds raised last week by the Seniyac Judo Club was able to put down his payment for the expedition.