Schoolboy speedway star roars away with funding

A schoolboy speedway star from Devon has roared away with a share of funding from a leading housebuilder.

Persimmon Homes Cornwall has donated £1,000 from its Community Champions fund to support 13-year-old Ben Trigger as he competes in speedway events in Britain and abroad.

Ben, from Plympton, is the top rider in his category in the south west and one of the top in Britain, and currently rides for national junior team Ashfield Giants – based in Glasgow.

This year he has notched up rankings in the 125cc track racing gold cup in Poland and podium-place finishes at two international events in Belgium and is setting his sights on the British youth 125cc championship.

His dad, Lee said: “It’s 484 miles from our doorstep in Plympton to Glasgow’s track, which isn’t ideal but it’s something we do.

“As you would expect motorsport is very expensive sport especially with the machinery required, the safety equipment along with transport and the ever-rising fuel costs the outlay is substantial.

“The level at which Ben is competing at requires the best equipment, although Ben does have some sponsorship mostly from friends and family, which does help greatly, there is still much more to provide for Ben to further and better his chances of succeeding at the very top.

“This generous donation of £1,000 from Persimmon Homes Cornwall will make a huge difference.”

Jane Cartwright, head of sales for Persimmon Homes Cornwall, said: “Ben has been making the headlines for his success at speedway and we are delighted to be able to support a local lad who is achieving so much at such a young age.

“He clearly has focus and a drive to be the best he can and it is obvious his family and friends are incredibly supportive and proud of his achievements.”

Each month Persimmon Homes donates up to £2,000 to community groups in each of its 32 business operating areas.
This means up to £64,000 is dished out every month – a total of £768,000 a year, and more than £2million since the scheme started in 2015.
Visit www.persimmonhomes.com/charity to apply for funding.