Charity boxing event at Brampton Manor set to raise thousands for Help for Heroes

The Boxing4heroes event takes place this weekend on Sunday, May 1, at Brampton Manor.

More than 30 men and women - some who have never boxed before - are set to take part, following an eight-week intensive training programme at The Fitness Factory, Chesterfield.

The fighters are hoping to hand over a cheque to the charity for about £7,000.

Head coach at The Fitness Factory, Shaun Grafton, 45, who has been helping to train the boxers, said: “We have all got family and friends that have served overseas and in the army so we just wanted to give something back.

“This includes my business partner Lee Waterhouse’s close friend Stu Woolman who was an ex-Para, this is where the inspiration came from.”

The event will see 15 bouts of three two minute rounds. Head guards will be used.

Shaun, who has been boxing all his life, said that The Fitness Factory has raised £50,000 for Cancer Research over the years and the gym recently hosted a ‘bake off’ for Help for Heroes, which raised £400.

“We have got the ambassadors for Help for Heroes coming down on the night and local soldiers who have been given free tickets,” Shaun said.

Hundreds of people are expected to attend the event, with the doors opening at 2pm and the boxing starting at 3pm.

One of the women boxers, Sarah Pinkney, 36, has only taken part in one charity boxing event before.

“It is going to be tough and it will be nerve wracking but I am also looking forward to it too,” she said.

“It will be a great event and it is for a great cause and there are a lot of people going.”

Sarah, who has been carrying out seven training sessions a week in order to prepare for her fight, said: “I am used to getting hit now. But I can’t say getting hit in the head is a great experience.

“I am very proud of the money we have raised. We have got a great team spirit at the gym. “

For tickets, call Shaun on 07791735953 or visit facebook.com/boxing4heroes