Ellie Soutter Foundation Announces Second Athlete Sponsorship On First Anniversary Of Ellie’s Death
One year ago today, on July 25 2018, Ellie Souter took her own life in the ski resort of Les Gets, France – one year later, the foundation set up by her father Tony Soutter, has announced funding for its second athlete, 12 year old Mia Brookes.
Snowboarder Mia Brookes, from Cheshire, is currently competing in the GB Park and Pipe Squad and is one of the country’s most exciting winter sports talents. The Ellie Soutter Foundation has announced initial sponsorship for Mia to attend a training camp in Austria during the autumn of 2019.
The announcement will be made today during the first anniversary memorial service - A Celebration of Ellie’s Life – that is being held in Les Gets on Thursday July 25.
Mia Brookes said: “I can't believe it is 12 months since Ellie's tragic death, I am so stoked to get the backing of The Ellie Soutter Foundation, their support will help me to push forward with my snowboarding over the coming years and I hope to make Ellie and everyone involved with the foundation proud!”
Tony Soutter said: “Mia is a fantastic snowboarder and we are delighted to be able to help her on her own journey by providing financial support through The Ellie Soutter Foundation. We wish her all the best for the future and look forward to working with Mia, her family and her team, during the coming months and beyond”.
Ellie Soutter was one of the most progressive Junior Female Snowboard Athletes of Great Britain. Ellie became Vice Champion of the world in the Junior Freeride World Tour in 2017. She was winner of a Bronze medal for Team GB at the 2017 European Youth Olympics and was tipped to be one of GBs strongest contenders for the 2022 winter Olympics amongst other numerous podium finishes throughout Europe and the southern hemisphere.
As a junior athlete coming from a family without substantial wealth, Ellie often had to miss out on competing and training through lack of funds. She felt and understood the constant pressure to obtain the necessary funds for her training and events. A full season of required training to maintain this level of competition was in excess of £30,000 annually. At this time, as a Junior GB athlete, there is minimal or no funding for travel or accommodation and athletes have to pay a subscription for coaching
Ellie’s family then decided to form The Ellie Soutter Foundation in her memory to help and assist other young winter athletes in similar circumstances
The foundation’s aim is to help young athletes at all levels with funding for their journeys and ensure they receive the kind of support and training that can help identify mental health issues that can arise from the pressures they are often placed under and help prevent the situation that ultimately led to Ellie Soutter taking her own life on her 18th birthday.
