A BUDDING Motocross star has received a timely cash boost after he appealed to businesses to help him reach his racing dreams.

School boy Kyron Carron, from Botley, wrote to more than 40 businesses in Oxfordshire to appeal for sponsorship as he seeks to build on an already successful career in the sport.

The 11-year-old has so far only received one response with Oxford Innovation coming forward to offer £500 to help pay for training, race fees and travel expenses.

Kyron said: “It means the world to me that Oxford Innovation took their time to read and answer my email, which is very nice as no other company has.

"I am very thankful for their donation, which is going to help me towards my career.”

The Botley School boy has been rapidly rising up the Motocross ranks since he got his first bike when he was five.

He regularly competes at the highest level for his age category in front of thousands of people.

Oxford Innovation, which supports entrepreneurs and growing businesses through its innovation centres and business support services, were impressed with his entrepreneurial plea for sponsorship.

Jo Willett, Managing Director of Oxford Innovation, said: “Kyron wrote to us a while ago asking for support, and we were all moved by his passion, dedication and politeness – all qualities we hope to see in the entrepreneurs we support.

"There are a lot of parallels between top sports people and top business people, so it seemed appropriate to try and do what we could to help and encourage Kyron to carry on.

"I hope other companies can dig deep to allow this dedicated young man to fulfil his potential”

Kyron offered businesses a range of opportunities in return for sponsorship from having their logos emblazoned across his kit and bike through to mentions on social media.

The self-taught rider feared he may be be forced to give up on his ambition of turning professional because of the ‘extortionate’ costs of training and equipment.

His family say it costs £15,000 a year to keep him competing and are expecting this to rise.

Mum Lauren Dallimore, 29, said the sponsorship had come at a good time as Kyron gears up to compete in the first races of the British Internationals season on March 30.

She added: "We are really grateful for this support and hope that it encourages others to think of ways they could support Kyron.

"He's been racing really strongly recently and finished in fifth at the nationwide Arenacross competition.

"This will help to kick start the season and enable him to push forward.

"A lot of the other competitors can afford more training and equipment so he often has to work twice as hard."

Email laurendallimore@hotmail.co.uk to help.