A martial arts star who raised thousands for charity during lockdown is appealing for help to fulfil her dream of competing internationally.

Bonnielou Furzer, 11, has been given the chance to feature in the Karate World Championships held in America later this year.

Karate star Bonnielou Furzer discusses her martial arts journey

The Wilmington Academy pupil has been involved in the sport since she was six.

She trains up to six days a week with her club North Kent Martial Arts, which runs classes in Dartford, Swanscombe and Gravesend, and is steadily rising through the ranks.

The green belt, who lives on the Fleet Estate, recently secured a place to compete for England at the World Union of Karate-Do Federations (WUKF) 10th annual competition held in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, this July.

Bonnnielou first got into karate after her mum sent her and older brother Alfie, 13, along to learn self-defence.

She said: "The first lesson in our class was free and we went to go try it out and I really liked it.

"I just fell in love with it really, and didn't stop going."

Bonnielou is excited by the prospect of competing on the other side of the Atlantic and her coach, known as a Sensei, believes she has the mindset and talent to go far.

But to fulfil her dream of featuring at this summer's tournament she first needs to secure £2,500 for flights, visas and other entry expenses. Her mum has launched an online fundraiser which has raised nearly £700 at the time of writing.

"I'm very excited I've wanted to go abroad for ages," Bonnielou said. "I've never been abroad in my life.

"It would be really fun to go. Obviously I'd be very nervous because it would be my first world champion competition."

During lockdown the karate enthusiast raised thousands of pounds for the NHS and various charities including Macmillan, Mind, Alzheimer’s and Dementia support services and the Spirits Rest Horse Sanctuary.

And it's not just opponents Bonnielou has been slicing through during the pandemic.

As a keen baker she set up her own Facebook page "Bonbons sweet treats" and delivered the goodies to neighbours with the help of her siblings and friends to raise funds for good causes.

Bonnielou said: "I used to raise money for charity a lot with my mum baking cakes and everything.

"I also did a little bit of running for the NHS and I think it was £800 I raised for them."

The youngster has both dyslexia and Irlen Syndrome, a condition which affects the way the brain processes visual information.

Mum Jodie, who works as a nursing assistant at Darent Valley Hospital, in Dartford, said her daughter had struggled at school but since finding karate it had hugely "boosted her confidence".

The 30-year-old says she was "immensely proud" of her daughter's generosity and excited for her future.

"She has one of the biggest hearts I know, always helping others with selfless acts," she added.

"I really hope people will help her achieve her dream of competing at this high standard. It’s an experience she will never forget."

Click here to contribute to Bonnielou's fundraiser.