Help Leighton Buzzard teenager Jaden tumble his way to world gymnastics competition in Spain
A family has set up a fundraising page to help their son Jaden who has been selected to represent GB in a gymnastics competition in Spain.
Jaden Finch, 13, has been doing gymnastics since the age of three, when he started at Harlequin Gym in Leighton Buzzard before joining MK Gymnastics three years ago.
He excels at tumbling and, after a successful year, was invited to join the GBR Junior Squad – going on to become one of just four 13 to 14-year-olds in the country selected to compete for GB at the FIG World Age competition in Pamplona, Spain on November 13.
His mum Gillian explained there is no funding available as tumbling is not recognised as an Olympic sport which means Jaden needs nearly £2,000 to cover the cost of the trip.
"We have been trying to raise the funds to get him there,” she said. “But without the kit and additional training weekend we have already had to pay for, this trip is costing £1,700.”
She explained: “Tumbling is a thrilling and highly disciplined branch of gymnastics, often referred to as the '100-meter sprint' of the sport. Though not currently an Olympic discipline, tumbling falls under the trampolining category and is growing in popularity.”
Jaden’s journey began at just three-and-a-half years old, when his nan enrolled him in gymnastics to channel his boundless energy. By the age of four, Harlequin Gymnastics spotted his potential and invited him to join their first-ever boys squad.
Since then, Jaden has flourished under the guidance of world silver medallist Elliott Browne and, more recently, the coaching team at MK Gymnastics, where he’s trained since 2022.
In January 2023, Jaden was selected for Team GB’s Development Squad. He competed internationally in Portugal and came home with a silver medal. This year, he earned a place in the Junior Squad and continues to train 12 hours a week, attending three national GBR camps annually.
Despite financial constraints, he managed to attend a training camp in Denmark this August, though the family had to decline an opportunity to compete in France due to costs.
Gillian added: “Jaden recently moved up to the 13 to 14 age category – a significant leap in competition level. With no pressure other than to ‘run clean’, he stunned us all by placing third in both Spring Cup 1 and Spring Cup 2, securing his qualification for the British Championships this October. As the youngest in his category, this achievement speaks volumes about his talent and determination."
Following the outcome of the British Championships on October 6, where he was placed fourth in the 13 to 14 age group and 11th in the 13 to 16 age group, Jaden was selected to represent Great Britain at the FIG World Age Group Championships.
Jaden, a pupil at Linslade Middle School, said: “My favourite thing about gymnastics is the feeling of flying through the air which is just amazing
“I’m training hard at my four sessions a week, eating high-protein foods, getting in lots of sleep and I am not allowed on my phone once I get home from school to help me focus.
“Outside of the gym I play football for Leighton United. This is my first season with them but I've had to pause playing and training to concentrate on my competitions and prevent injury as well as seeing my friends.”
His message to others interested in tumbling? “Go for it as it’s so amazing and you'll love it.”
You can help by donating to Jaden’s GoFundme appeal which has so far raised £622.