Emma Ruthven, a Scottish karate champion based in Glasgow, is awarded a £1,000 cash boost, thanks to Persimmon Homes West Scotland.

Persimmon Homes West Scotland has selected Emma Ruthven of Team GB, who is currently ranked No.2, as its latest Community Champions winner. The donation will go towards Emma’s dream to compete in the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Qualifier in Paris in May 2020.

As part of the company’s Community Champion’s scheme, Persimmon Homes offers donations of up to £1,000 to local UK groups and charities which have already raised vital funds for themselves. These grants are awarded across Persimmon Homes’ 32 regional businesses.

To achieve her Olympic ranking, Emma’s trips are all self-funded, as there are no funds available from the Governing Body, Sport Scotland or Sport UK.

Emma Ruthven, who is also a European Bronze medallist, as well as a Polish and Irish Open Champion, said: “I have competed in Mexico, Austria, Italy, Poland, Canada, Morocco, Ireland, Croatia and many more international competitions. Unfortunately, all worldwide trips to achieve my Olympic ranking are self-funded with costs amounting to over £10,000. I am grateful to Persimmon Homes’ for its continued support.”

Doug Law, Managing Director at Persimmon Homes West Scotland said “We know a donation can be a real boost for any athlete and we wish Emma all the best with her upcoming competitions.”

“Emma’s commitment to her sport and country is something that we applaud, and we are proud to name her our latest Community Champion.”

Community groups, charities and good causes across the country have benefited thanks to the donations from Persimmon Homes.

The scheme invites local groups and charities to bid for cash from a national fund, with two donations of up to £1,000 being made locally each month. Organisations can apply for funding by completing a simple online form at www.persimmonhomes.com/charity.”