A community sports group has been supporting local causes in Richmond thanks to more organisations applying for funding.

SporTedd have awarded over £3,000 to projects across the borough in a bid to help initiatives that would not typically receive local authority funds.

Around £1,000 was made payable to the Downs Syndrome Association (DSActive) - a special sports programme based in Teddington, so the associations members could benefit from new equipment and clothing.

Chair of SporTedd, Stuart Higgins, said: “SporTedd is growing slowly but we genuinely feel delighted that we are making a bit of an impact locally, especially when organisations, groups need financial support urgently and we can provide help quickly without the barriers of red-tape or process which sometimes seem insurmountable to these deserving causes.”

A grant of £1000 was made to DSActive, a special sports programme for the Down’s Syndrome Association based in Teddington, which will provide new funds to purchase sports equipment and clothing.

Around £2,000 was donated to The Friends of Murray Park which went towards the £,3000 needed to launch a Junior Park Run.

Lynda Hance, treasurer for the Friends of Murray Park, said: “Thank you so much your tremendous support! This money will make all the difference to us being able to set up with confidence that we can check, train and provide uniforms for our volunteers.”

SporTedd, founded two years ago, is supported by a community who have a particular interest in sport or a professional connection to sport.

It raises money and awareness through its £100-per-year subscription as well as participating in various charitable events that feature high profile speakers like Lord Coe, Peter Kenyon - former CEO of Manchester United and Chelsea football clubs, RFU referee Wayne Barnes, Mick Desmond - commercial director for all English Clubs and Jason Leonard - England's most capped rugby player.

A further £720 was awarded to the Kingston and Richmond branches of Crossroads Carers in order to help with the purchase of karate kits for young careers living with disabilities.

The CEO of Crossroads Care, Julie Da Costa said: “Your support helps us continue in our mission to provide vital services to those often hard to reach families and Carers – outside the statutory framework.

“The generous support of organisations and Trusts like SporTedd makes it possible for our organisation to continue and grow and provide high quality services to carers and the people they care for.

“Sponsorship, fundraising, volunteering and donations are especially important, as we face the daunting challenges within the current economic environment.”