Fundraiser gig to benefit family of tragic boxer

Around £1,000 from music night will go to Mike Towell’s son and partner

A fundraising gig in memory of Dundee boxer Mike Towell has raised around £1,000 for his young family.

More than 160 close friends, relatives and members of the boxing community gathered at Busker’s in the city on Saturday night for live music, poetry and to release balloons with messages of love.

The 25-year-old died at the end of September as a result of injuries suffered during a boxing match, leaving behind partner Chloe Ross and young son Rocco.

Gig organiser Stuart Robertson, of SCGT Promotions, said: “I haven’t counted all the money yet but I’d estimate we raised somewhere in the region of £1,000.

“There were around 160 to 170 people, which involved everyone who mattered to Mike.

“That included all his close friends and family, as well as the boxing clubs and coaches.

“We had some balloons, which we let go with some messages on tags and Chloe let them go. His boxing club donated lots of boxing stuff so that we had the place kitted out in boxing gear for a special theme.

“We had several banners, which were auctioned off.

“Buskers also bought one, as they’re thinking of possibly doing another remembrance gig in a year’s time.”

The headline act of the evening was the tribute band Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Carpets, in honour of Mike’s love of Oasis.

Other bands taking part included local acts Ryan Lawrence, Courtney Elena, the Howlin Wolves, Benedictus and the Un Romantics.

Local poet Mark Thomson read a poem he had written in memory of Mike, gifting a signed original copy to his family.

Stuart added: “It was a cracking night. When the High Flying Carpets came on, it went down an absolute storm.

“Everyone seemed to have enjoyed themselves and we’d like to thank everyone who attended.”

Tribute band the High Flying Carpets went down a storm at the gig in Buskers.

Mike died in September.