SALE rower William Robinson is celebrating after receiving a £500 donation from the MARS Refuel Drink Fund.

William, 19, who is a biology student at York University, started rowing at the age of 13 at the Trafford Rowing Club.

He quickly became addicted and is training hard with the aim of being in the best shape possible for the Great Britain under-23 trials next year.

William says: “My goal is to represent my country so I am taking my training very seriously ahead of next year’s trials. Despite my university studies, I still train on the water or in the gym every day.

“I will be using the donation from the MARS Refuel Drink Fund to purchase my own single scull boat to train and race in. I have reached a level where having my own faster and better quality boat will make a huge difference.”

The MARS Refuel Drink Fund was created to help people overcome the financial barriers and to play sport for longer by offering £500 awards to teams and individuals.

The fund is accepting applications until September 30 2011, and has £5,000 to donate each month.

Applications can be made online at www.marsrefuel.com offering support with anything from equipment and travel costs, to improving training grounds and club houses.