ATHLETICS: THURROCK Harriers’ talented athlete Gemma Holloway paid a visit to the Rotary Club of Grays Thurrock to thank them for their support over the past season.

Holloway, 17, who is ranked eighth in the country for 1,500m in the under-20 rankings, is sponsored by the Rotary Club and was a guest speaker at their monthly luncheon meeting.

The teenager spoke for five minutes about her achievements this season which was a great achievement given she suffers from Asperger’s Syndrome, which makes any social interaction daunting.

Mum Julie said: “They were very welcoming and after a pleasant lunch and chat with the president, Iain Ramsay, Gemma was more relaxed and able to take it all in her stride, delivering a five minute talk about her achievements to date and what she aspires to in the future. “She would also like to thank her other sponsors, the Oakfield Physiotherapy Clinic and Smiths Orchard Garden Centre in Grays as well as her exceptionally patient coaches Brenda and Kelvin Stone.