Richard Holden MP was thrilled to help talented North West Durham Powerlifting youngster, Edward Butcher from Wolsingham, renew his passport last-minute.
Ed was chosen to represent Great Britain this August in Istanbul. His mother, Joan, emailed my constituency office in Consett. When Ed made the team, he only had 7 days to renew his passport and register for the team visa.
The whole family did not think they would get it in time, whilst Joan tried her best to contact whoever she could. After losing nearly all hope, they got in touch with Richard Holden MP.
Against the clock, Richard managed to push the Home Office, including raising the matter personally with the Home Secretary’s team, to help get Ed’s passport sorted. Ed will now be able to compete in Istanbul in August.
Ed is just one of dozens of North West Durham constituents who have got in touch with Richard Holden MP’s office to raise passport issues, following the surge in reapplications and first applications as the UK has emerged from Covid.
Commenting, Richard Holden MP, said:
“Ed’s mum, quite rightly, got in touch with us as she thought Ed might not be able to compete due to his passport running out – it needed to get sorted so he was able to get on the teams visa.
“Despite the huge pressures on the Passport Office, everyone who has got in contact with my office regarding their passport issue has had it resolved by me and my team in time.
“It was great to meet Ed and the family at his home, and I wish him all the success in the future! Hopefully one day we will all watch him on our screens as an Olympian!”
Joan, Ed’s mum, comments that:
“We, as a family, cannot thank [Richard and the team] enough. Edward is now really focussed now on his training in order to try and put Weardale on the International Powerlifting map!”
As it stands, Ed is also looking to fundraise for upcoming competitions. Please get in touch at Richard.holden.mp@parliament.uk and the office can point you in the right direction.