Foundation supports judo siblings’ rise to the top

Champion Blyth judo siblings are fighting their way to further sporting glory with the backing of The Bernicia Foundation.

Taylor and Joshua Chrisp, aged 15 and 18 respectively, are currently ranked number one and number three in Great Britain in their respective age categories.

Taylor has previously won gold at the Welsh, English and Scottish Opens before winning the British Championships three consecutive times, most recently in 2024 while Joshua won gold at the 2024 Welsh Open before taking a bronze medal in the 2024 British Championships – two of the most prestigious judo events in Britain.

But the costs of competing at this level quickly stack up. Following the brother and sister’s acceptance onto the England Judo Talent Development Programme, the family now needs to fund two sets of international competitions, training camps in the UK and abroad, kit requirements, including International Judo Federation-approved judogis in both blue and white for each sibling, and personal training fees.

This is in addition to the travel expenses for Taylor and Joshua’s four-times-a-week training schedule and monthly training sessions over 200 miles away – all at a time of soaring fuel, energy and food prices.

Two Inspiration Grants of £1,000 have now helped Taylor, Joshua and their family meet the additional costs necessary for them to progress their judo careers to the next level.

Judo first appeared in the UK in 1899 and continues to grow in popularity, with British citizens winning 20 Olympic and Paralympic medals since its addition to the Summer Games in 1964, and Taylor and Joshua are both now part of the Great Britain under-21s squad.

“Judo is such an important part of my life, and I’ve learned so much from it – like how to stay focused and keep trying my best, even when things are tough.” said Taylor. “Winning gold at the British Championships has been amazing, and with The Bernicia Foundation’s support, I can keep training and competing at the highest level. I’m so excited for the future and where judo will take me.”

“Judo has been a big part of my life for as long as I can remember, and it’s helped shape who I am today. Competing nationally and internationally is challenging, but also incredibly rewarding,” added Joshua.

“The grant from The Bernicia Foundation has made it possible for me to continue chasing my dreams without worrying as much about the financial side. I’m determined to make my family and our supporters proud.”

The Bernicia Foundation grants alleviated some of the financial pressures for the judo stars’ family, which, so far, has supported their children’s judo ambitions with no outside grant support.

“Taylor and Joshua have committed a lot over the years”, said John Chrisp, the siblings’ father and judo coach. “But now they are facing more financial pressures from the increasing cost of living crisis. They are both really excelling in judo, so there is a bigger financial pressure than ever.”

The coaching Taylor and Joshua receive at Blyth Juno Michi Judo Club is integral in helping the Chrisp children achieve their sporting dreams.

Commenting on their coaching, Claire Chrisp, Taylor and Joshua’s mum, said: “We’re so proud of what Taylor and Joshua have achieved through their hard work. The costs of supporting them at this level are significant, so the grants from The Bernicia Foundation are a huge relief. It’s wonderful to see their efforts recognised and supported in this way.”

Jenny Allinson, Director at The Bernicia Foundation, added: “I am delighted that we have been able to support the Chrisp family in achieving their dream of both Taylor and Joshua competing for Team GB.

“Supporting a child competing at a national level is a huge undertaking, and for the Chrisp family to be doing that for two children simultaneously shows the value they place on their development. I am excited to see how Taylor and Joshua’s judo careers progress here in the UK and internationally.”

The Bernicia Foundation is a charitable trust set up by North East housing association Bernicia to help direct funds where they are most needed – supporting local people living in hard-working communities across Northumberland, Tyne and Wear, County Durham and Teesside.

Two funding streams are available – the Inclusion fund for voluntary/community groups, registered charities and social enterprises, which awards up to £10,000, and the Inspiration fund, awarding up to £1,000 for young people aged 24 years and under who are actively working towards personal goals.