A 13-year-old kickboxer from Whittlesey has been selected to represent England at the world championships in Portugal. 

Charlie Bird first tried out the sport 19 months ago and has been travelling across the country for competitions since.  

After being selected to represent his country, he launched a GoFundMe campaign to help towards the costs of getting there.  

Friends, family and the wider community have helped him raise almost £1,800 of his £3,000 target.  

Cambs Times: Kickboxer Charlie Bird is now fundraising to get out to Portugal and represent England.Kickboxer Charlie Bird is now fundraising to get out to Portugal and represent England. (Image: Michael Bird)Proud dad Michael said: “Thank you to everybody who has already contributed towards Charlie’s GoFundMe page.  

“This is a dream come true and a massive opportunity for him.  

“He’d never really done anything before sports-wise until he found kickboxing. 

“But Charlie’s coaches saw something in him, pushed him along and there’s no looking back now.  

“He's smashing it and will hopefully be competing alongside some of the best fighters in the world later this year.” 

Cambs Times: Charlie Bird, 13, discovered kickboxing 19 months ago.Charlie Bird, 13, discovered kickboxing 19 months ago. (Image: Michael Bird)Charlie started kickboxing at British Chinese Kickboxing Association (BCKA) Peterborough and now trains between four and eight times a week. 

Sometimes he travels to Corby for training sessions.  

Charlie came first in one of the categories at his first competition and has won multiple medals at other events across the country. 

Most recently he competed in the WKKC English Championships his second place in the light contact category earned him a place representing England.  

The WKC World Championships Charlie has been selected for take place in Portugal between October 26 and November 2. 

To help him get there, donate towards his GoFundMe campaign here.