Special award winner Mick proud to join illustrious club

THIS year’s winner of the special recognition award said he is honoured to join such an illustrious club.

Brampton’s Mick Wale has run a boxing club for more than three decades – but for the last 17 years he has been battling cancer.

It was initially predicted that he would be wheelchair-bound and would be fortunate to live to 50. But his determination to keep going has defied the medical experts and this summer he enjoyed his 60th birthday.

“This is the first award

I’ve ever won and it’s not a bad one to start off with,” Mick said.

“To be mentioned in the list with the likes of Dorothy Hyman and famous actors and professors is just amazing.

“Running the boxing club has just been a habit of mine. Even through my illness and everything, I’ve wanted to get back to the gym.”

Mick’s expert training has yielded a number of champions including his own son, Josh, who won the British title.

But his work in getting hundreds of youngsters on the straight and narrow and rebuilding their lives is where he makes the biggest difference.

Mick added: “I was so proud to stand there on the stage.

“To see my story read out and put in front of me like it was, took me totally by surprise.

“It was so powerful and it has made me reflect.

“Sometimes I don’t think I’m 60 or that I’m poorly. It was a reality check.

“I am in such good company. It was a fantastic night, one of the best of my life and it has spurred me on. It’s nice to know that I am appreciated.”