Joel Clarke-Khan admits he would not have been crowned British champion without SportsAid’s support.

The Worcester-based high jump star reigned supreme at the British Athletics Championships after leaping over the bar at 2.18m in Manchester.

Clarke-Khan entered the event in a positive frame of mind and reckons the financial assistance of GVC Holdings and SportsAid lay at the heart of that mentality.

“I was in such a good mental state because I was so relaxed because everything went smoothly financially,” said the 20-year-old, one of 50 beneficiaries of GVC’s programme which is part of the Pitching In initiative.

“If I didn’t have SportsAid funding I’d worry about how I’m going to fund my pre-competition massage, travel, hotel, eating, and literally everything.

“I could have turned up with a stressed mind, but having SportsAid to help with opportunities was a blessing and really puts me in a better place.”

Clarke-Khan has been through the wringer in recent years, rupturing his patella tendon in 2018 and enduring a difficult period on the busy athletics circuit.

He doubted if SportsAid or GVC would come back calling but says their continued support has provided an invaluable source of confidence.

“Coming back from a quiet year last year, I wasn’t sure if SportsAid were going to be in contact but when I found out there were, I realise they haven’t lost hope in me yet,” added Clarke-Khan, who is treading the same SportsAid pathway as fellow athletes Sir Mo Farah, Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill and Dina Asher-Smith.

“It’s nice to know they still believe in me, and I was able to prove to them that I’m worth believing in.”

Supported by Paralympian Baroness Grey-Thompson, GVC - owner of Ladbrokes and Coral - announced a three-year partnership with SportsAid last year to help young athletes realise their potential and promote grassroots sport.

The investment will provide funding for training, travel and equipment and allow athletes access to mentoring by Olympians and Paralympians on topics such as nutrition and sports psychology.

Robin Walker, MP for Worcester, said: “It’s fantastic to see that Joel is getting support from Pitching In with GVC and SportsAid, in recognition for his achievements in the High Jump.

“We need to keep on supporting our young athletes, especially at this difficult time for everyone.

“British sporting success is something that can bring us all together and I look forward to everyone in Worcester cheering Joel on in the future.”

GVC is proud to be championing the next generation of British sporting heroes by providing talented young athletes with financial support and personal development opportunities in partnership with SportsAid. As part of this three-year partnership, GVC are supporting a diverse group of 50 UK athletes per year from a variety of spots and para-sports. Visit gvc-plc.com to find out more.