A FUNDRAISING campaign has been launched to help a skateboarding enthusiast achieve her dream of stepping on a board for the first time.
When she’s not working in the print room of Beresford Street Kitchen or in the clothes section at Acorn, 31-year-old Brontë Hollick loves popping into Consume, Jersey’s only dedicated skateboard shop, in Halkett Street.
There, she has developed a strong bond with shop employee Layla, who is a skateboarding coach and has helped fuel Brontë’s passion for the sport. Brontë also loves looking at the skateboards on display and watching videos of the top pros in action.
However, because of her restricted mobility, Brontë has never ridden a skateboard herself.
But that is set to change – and other Islanders who might face challenges in getting on a board will also benefit.
A fundraising campaign – launched by Natalie Mayer of Skate Space, which strives to build a skatepark and community hub in St Ouen’s Methodist Church – hopes to raise money to build a special frame to let Brontë and others to join the ranks of skaters riding the jumps, rails and ramps at the new park at Les Quennevais.
The frame has its own wheels and a central harness and is maneuvered around by people holding bars on either side of the strapped-in skater, who has the freedom to skate in any direction in a safe environment.
Natalie explained: “Brontë is a well-known character in town as she loves to make friends. I’ve known her since she was two years old and when Layla told me that she was a regular visitor to Consume, I wanted to do all I could to turn her love of skating into a practical reality.
“I searched the internet and found the skating frame; it is a pretty unusual piece of equipment so we’re getting one made locally, by blacksmith Stephen Rylance.”
Natalie said that the campaign was not only raising money for the frame but also for coaching sessions for Brontë and other Islanders who wanted to experience the thrill of skateboarding.
It is hoped that the frame will be ready in time for 20 September, when the skatepark will host ‘Bowl Ā Crock’ – described as a carnival of skate culture. If all goes to plan, Brontë will be able to join in, alongside local skaters, visitors and professionals coming to Jersey to show off their skills.
Brontë is clear in her ambition when it comes to skating: “I want to compete in the Olympics,” she told the JEP.
It is hoped that the frame will be kept at the skatepark for anyone to use, with coaching provided by Skateboard Jersey, a non-profit organisation which is developing the sport in the Island.
Anyone wishing to donate or find out more can email skatespacejersey@gmail.com.
