A COLCHESTER speedster rubbed shoulders with British sporting heroes after being singled out to attend a special Parliamentary reception.

Charlie Dobson, 21, was one of 15 athletes hand-picked to attend the celebratory event in Westminster, hosted by Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson.

Grey-Thompson, an 11-time Paralympic champion, was joined by former Olympic champion Mohamed Sbihi and five-time Paralympic medallist Natasha Baker at the reception which celebrated the impact of SportsAid and Entain’s funding in transforming young careers.

Talented 400m runner Charlie, whose career is supported by a partnership between Entain and SportsAid, had the unique opportunity to absorb Grey-Thompson, Sbihi and Baker’s eminent insight.

The Essex ace, who ran the second fastest British time this year and is the reigning 60m indoor BUCS champion, said: “It was brilliant to be at the House of Lords and meet everybody, speak to loads of people and explore different sports.

Gazette: Craig Allen at the reception in the Palace of Westminster. Picture: Sportsbeat

“It was really cool to hear from Moe, Natasha and Tanni because they’re not the typical people you’d normally meet – at events like this, there’s not normally that calibre of people there.

“They’re so inspirational and it motivates me to try and do my best.”

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Charlie, who studies at Loughborough University, listened to speeches from Grey-Thompson, Sbihi and Baker to cap a memorable two hours.

Baroness Grey-Thompson, who racked up a stunning 16 Paralympic medals between Seoul 1988 and Athens 2004, said: “Sport is so important to British society - not just medal success, but giving young people the chance to be the best they can be.

“My career and so much of what I did was based on the support I had from SportsAid, and it’s amazing to see that support going back to young athletes going forward.”

SportsAid alumni won a staggering 14 gold, 19 silver and 14 bronze medals for Team GB this summer, while in the Paralympics, they claimed 26 gold, 33 silver and 35 bronzes as the impact of the funding was showcased on the biggest sporting stage.

Entain, owner of Ladbrokes and Coral, is proud to be championing the next generation of British sporting heroes by supporting talented young athletes. Visit entaingroup.com to find out more.