RHU sailor Charlotte Dobson has launched an online fund-raising appeal as she aims to keep alive her dream of representing her country at the Tokyo Olympics next year.

Dobson and her sailing partner Saskia Tidey are hoping to raise £5,000 to enable them to compete at a high enough standard to win a 49erFX medal at the Olympic Test event in Japan later this summer – and take a step closer to the Olympic podium in 2020.

The 33-year-old finished eighth, alongside previous partner Sophie Ainsworth, in her first Olympics in Rio in 2016, and she says she’s determined to qualify, and do even better, next year.

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Dobson said: “For three years we have battled on the international world sailing circuit to bring home medal winning performances for Great Britain.

“It has been an honour to fly the flag and a privilege to be under the pressure of striving for greatness.

“Unfortunately we have reached a hurdle in our campaign which we are finding increasingly difficult to jump.

“The level of financial backing we have needed to maintain podium positions has now exceeded beyond what our campaign budget is capable of.

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“With additional funds we absolutely believe we can complete and deliver the training programme we have planned to bring home a medal. Saskia and I will be forever grateful for any donation to help get us on our way.”

The appeal has raised £1,245 since it was launched at the weekend – keep track of its progress, and add your own donation, by searching at gofundme.com for ‘Charlotte Dobson’.