Entrepreneur Barrie Wells, who funds 17 athletes as they train for next year’s Olympics, has agreed to support Holly Bleasdale in the run up to the games.

The 2011 European U23 pole vault gold medallist and 2010 World Junior bronze medallist will join Wells’ group, which includes the likes of Dai Greene, Jessica Ennis, Jodie Williams and Jenny Meadows.

The funding goes towards bespoke aspects of their training and living that will make an extra difference to their current set up.

Bleasdale said: “I’m training to jump 4.9 and with Barrie’s support, my confidence in my ability has increased.”