A grant from Young and Talented enables Poppy Luxton to work towards her dreams of joining the British Sailing Team

Poppy Luxton, an 18-year-old from Cornwall has demonstrated outstanding dedication to dinghy sailing.  

Since transitioning to the ILCA 6 dinghy in March 2023, Poppy advanced rapidly, progressing from regional to national training. With funding from Young & Talented Cornwall, she attended regular training in Weymouth and Paignton, participated in national qualifiers, and competed in the RYA Youth Nationals, where she placed 4th in the U19 category.  

In March 2024, she earned a spot on the British Youth Sailing Team and was selected to represent Great Britain at the U19 European Championships in July 2024. She also competed in the UKLA Nationals in August 2024. 

Poppy’s ambition is to join the British Sailing Team through the transition squad and eventually compete in the Olympics. Her coaches believe she possesses the ability to excel at the highest levels. Her goal requires continuous training, participation in high-profile competitions, and access to advanced equipment.  

The grant was essential for Poppy’s progression. The costs of training sessions, travel, accommodation, and competition fees are substantial. Without this support, Poppy would have struggled to sustain her development in the sport. 

This funding was critical in enabling her to pursue her Olympic dream and inspire others in her community. 

About the fund 

We believe every talented young person deserves the opportunity to achieve their potential! 

The Young and Talented FundA sum of money made available for grant making, often with specific criteria/conditions. strives to help young individuals across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, who have demonstrated outstanding talent in a particular field – such as sport, the arts, and science – but are struggling to achieve their ambition or progress in their chosen career because of hardship or disability. 

Since it was first established in 2005, Young & Talented Cornwall -The Lord Lieutenant’s Fund has granted over £435,000 to young people between the ages of 14-23 living in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. 

The fund was launched in 2005 as The Lord Lieutenant’s Fund for Youth (LLFFY), by the then Lord Lieutenant Lady Mary Holborow and Vice Lord Lieutenant Michael Galsworthy, aiming to inspire and support exceptional ability in Cornwall’s young. 

The fund is now known as Young & Talented Cornwall and is headed by Lord Lieutenant of Cornwall Colonel Edward Bolitho KCVO OBE.  

If you are a community group looking for funding, please view our available grants. 

If you are looking to support the Cornwall Community Foundation with a donation, go to our online donation page.