Former SAS soldier steps into the ring for charity
BOXING NIGHT IN AID OF VETERANS IN CRISIS SUNDERLAND
A former SAS soldier is helping fellow veterans from his home city by taking part in a prestigious charity boxing night.
Derek Gamblin, 52, hopes to raise at least £3,000 for Veterans in Crisis Sunderland (Vics) when he takes part in Remembrance Rumble III next month.
The money will be used to provide everyday items such as clothing, food and furniture for former servicemen and women settling back into civilian life on Wearside.
Now an established annual event in aid of military charities, Remembrance Rumble III is organised by author Phil Campion, Derek’s former SAS colleague.
Derek, who grew up in the Farringdon and Grindon areas of the city, said: “I personally am using this event to raise awareness for veterans that need help transitioning into everyday life, or who just need help and support, and, being Sunderland born and bred, Veterans In Crisis Sunderland seemed the obvious choice for me as a charity.”
Married with two grownup children, the former Broadway Comprehensive School pupil has praised the work of Vics founder Ger Fowler and full-time volunteer Chris Batty, who was helped by the community interest company earlier this year, when he encountered mental health issues.
Derek, a self-employed logistics manager living in Dubai, said: “The work that Ger and Chris do at Vics is brilliant but they always need funds to carry on their amazing work.”
Remembrance Rumble III takes place at Brighton Metropole o November 9, at the start of Remembrance Weekend, tickets costing £45 available online at https:// www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/remembrance-rumble-3-tickets-45688891705.
Online donations for Derek’s appeal can be made via Just Giving at https:// www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/chris-batty
VICS can be contacted on (07398) 916590.