NEVER GIVE UP! NEVER GIVE IN!

The tireless Ringside Charitable Trust is on the march again

IN the absence of any financial support from the sport’s major powerbrokers, the unsung heroes at Ringside Charitable Trust carry on regardless in their quest to raise funds for ex-boxers and ultimately open a care home.

It’s not only ex-boxers they’re assisting. Recognising that a number of amateur boxing clubs are fighting for survival as a consequence of the lockdown, they will stage Skip Into Spring throughout April, with the money raised being split between the clubs and the registered charity. The premise is simple; boxers will skip for sponsorship, with juniors skipping for two-minute rounds and seniors doing threeminute sessions. Those clubs wishing to take part should contact Paul Fairweather at paul@theringsidecharitabletrust.com

May will see another joint venture, this time in Orlando, when alongside the Moth Foundation money will be raised for Kids Beat Cancer and Ringside Charitable Trust. A team of ex-champions will travel to America to take part in a series of events designed to raise both funds and awareness for the two charities. More information on the events, organised by the Moth Foundation, can be found at www.anightinmyshoes.com and www.championsevening.com

Closer to home, Ringside Charitable Trust made a donation to the family of Stephen Mcmullan, the 25-year-old amateur boxer from Belfast who suffered lifechanging injuries following a contest that took place on December 9, 2021.

“It wasn’t until the next day that it became apparent that he wasn’t himself,” said Stephen’s cousin, Mary. “He suffered a major stroke, leaving him having to be put into an induced coma in intensive care. We didn’t know what lay ahead, we didn’t realise this was where Stephen was going to begin the biggest fight of his life.

“Stephen has fought so hard to be here with us today and continues to fight strong, he remains very sick and has been left with life-changing injuries. All we want as a family is to give Stephen the best shot at life and for him to have the best quality of life to the best of his ability. To be able to do this he is going to require intensive support, therapy and equipment which is a massive finacial burden on the family as Stephen was the breadwinner. We just want to give back to him as much as he gave us in life.”

If you wish to help or donate, please contact Paul Fairweather.

On July 9, following leaps from planes and abseils down stupidly high towers to raise cash in previous years, a team put together by Andrew Fairley will be keeping their feet on the ground in their next adventure. Well, kind of. The 32-person team that includes Steve Bunce, Tony Oakey, Tris Dixon, Joel Mcintyre, Jerome Wilson, Jane Couch, Ross Minter, Lucy Wildheart, Matt Christie and Ringside Charitable Trust’s Dave Harris and Paul Fairweather will walk over burning hot coals in Portsmouth’s Guildhall Square. Anyone wishing to come along and support is more than welcome. In the meantime, any donations can be made to www.gofundme.com/f/boxers-firewalk

As always, Ringside Charitable Trust has complete support from Boxing News.