TRIBUTES Boxer Don ‘was kind and had a huge personality’

TRIBUTES have poured in for a man who was not just one of finest boxers around – but also one of the finest men.

Former professional boxer Donald “Don” Braithwaite died aged 81 on March 16.

Caerphilly born and bred, Don represented Wales as an amateur in the 1958 British Empire and Commonwealth Games in Cardiff. Competing at flyweight he won a bronze medal, before turning pro.

In 1960, he married Margaret and the couple celebrated their 57th anniversary shortly before his death. Together they raised seven children: Lynne, Dean, Andrew, Glen, Richard, Wayne and Donna.

Comments on social media reveal a man of incredible kindness who was a loved member of the community.

Despite the esteem in which he was held, he never sought praise for his achievements.

Wayne said: “He never spoke about what he had achieved and would always focus on what others had done. He never looked for accolades.

“He opened his first gym at the Wingfield pub in Caerphilly where his mother owned the pub at the time.”

Don eventually settled on his permanent gym in Virginia Park and it was here where he developed the next generation of boxers. Training was his passion and he would pad up well into his seventies.

Wayne said young people using the academy had to pay a small nominal fee £1. One day Don was approached and it was pointed out to him that one of the lads had not paid.

Don’s response was twofold. He said “if they are in here with us they are not outside causing trouble” and “I could be turning away a future champion for the sake of a pound”. It was this attitude that summed up the man.

“He was kind and generous with a huge personality,” said Wayne. “A beaming smile could always been seen across his face. If he could do anything for you he would. He was just the sort of guy who would never say no to anyone.”

Despite never seeking praise or reward for his work, Don did get some well-deserved recognition.

In September 2015, he received the British Empire Medal (BEM) for services to boxing. Additionally, he was also awarded a lifetime fellowship member of Swansea University for his support of research for brain injury in sport.

Ever humble, speaking after receiving the medal he said it should instead go the the coaches who trained him.

For his 80th birthday Brains brewery produced a beer called “The Don” which they brought out for the funeral. The service was well attended. “It has been overwhelming,” said Wayne talking about the response the family have had since his death.

“The day he died Facebook just exploded. It was heartwarming. We didn’t realise how well know he was – to us he was just dad.”

Don Braithwaite may be gone but he will remembered, not just through his family but through the generations of young people he helped develop. He will be missed.