The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
Kayleigh reaches finishing line in dream appeal
A north-east runner is set to achieve her American dream of a university sport scholarship in Texas.
Kayleigh Jarrett, 25, was first offered the opportunity to study at Midwestern States University through its track and field and cross-country running scheme in 2015.
And after studying for months to pass the institution’s entry tests in maths and English, spending countless hours cutting down her running times while studying at college and working full-time, Miss Jarrett was ready to go to the Lone Star State.
But in April last year the 25year-old, originally from Lossiemouth, suddenly found herself without a job, and had to shelve her plans.
However, a year on, Miss Jarrett is preparing to cross the Atlantic once more and achieve her ambition, thanks to the support of her friends, family and strangers from across the north-east and Moray who have donated through an online fundraiser.
She said: “All the support I’ve been given by everyone has been amazing.
“I was really nervous about putting it online, because I don’t really like asking for money, however as I explained in the fundraiser I managed to raise all the money last year but had to use it all for living expenses after I lost my job.
“Having people helping me out by donating money, showing me how to book flights and sort out my visa, has been incredible, and I’m really grateful.”
Miss Jarrett has raised more than £1,400 of her £1,500 goal.
She said that, before she applied, the idea of a scholarship seemed impossible.
“A few years ago, I was stuck in a rut in my life working in admin. It just wasn’t for me, but I always loved running.
“My friends told me to go for a scholarship – I thought there was no way I was good enough, I’ve seen the kind of girls that get them and they’re wild – but the coach that runs the cross-country and track team there came back and told me I could go for it.
“He gave me some times to aim for, I was running a 40minute 10km at the time, and they were looking for a 39minute one, which I managed to achieve, as well as passing my SAT which was really hard because I hadn’t done maths or English since 2009.
“Now, a year on, and with the support of everyone who has donated and helped me along the way, I’m ready to finally go to the US take on this new challenge.”
To donate to Miss Jarrett go to www.gofundme.com/ kjs-big-american-dream