A sell-out boxing match proved to be another smash hit for Walsall Healthcare’s Well Wishers charity – chalking up just over £3,500 for patients and families who use Goscote Hospice.
After a two-year absence due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the event came back bigger and better than ever to enjoy a fifth year of fundraising.
Former British Lightweight Champion, International Boxing Federation Super Lightweight Champion and patron of the charity Martin Gethin and his wife Sherilyn help pull the event together with Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust Fundraising Manager Georgie Westley. And all three agreed that this year’s show, held on Friday 14 October, was a knockout.
Georgie said: “It was definitely our biggest and best yet and I’d like to thank everyone who made it such a success.
“Local businesses and the community have certainly proved they’re in Well Wishers’ corner by supporting us with sponsorship and raffle prizes and Martin and Sherilyn once again worked with the boxers, matching them up for their bouts and checking in with them on their training in the run up to the big night.
“In the past the charity boxing events have altogether brought in more than £5,000 to benefit the people who use our services in the hospital and community, including our Older People’s Mental Health Team which supports people living with dementia. This year’s cause was Goscote Hospice (formerly St Giles Hospice) which is housed at the Walsall Palliative Care Centre.
“The hospice now sits under the Well Wishers charity and we have worked together to make some amazing memories for patients and their families. This has ranged from making Christmas come early for a mum receiving end-of-life care and her family and putting on an Eid celebration for another patient.
“Everyone agreed that this is a fantastic service to support.”
Martin Gethin added: “What a great night – and what a great result for Goscote Hospice.
“The charity boxing night is always a winner and this year’s was no exception. Everyone had a fantastic time and it was brilliant to see our communities and businesses come together to make a difference for others. Bring on the next one!”
Well Wishers would like to thank Gavin Beech and Mick Cooper who have always supported as MC and referee and Rushall Labour Cub which lets the charity use its facilities free of charge.
Thank you to everyone who supported on the night including JABS Events, Kelly’s Kitchen, Unibox Ring Hire, colleagues who supported with First Aid and medical checks, security, Ring girl Amy Elwell and all those who donated raffle prizes. Special thanks to the following sponsors:
Best of Walsall
Pickford Solicitors
SP Taylor Plumbing & Gas
Unison
Dor-2-Dor leaflet distribution
Spectrum Print and Visual Solutions
Walsh Funerals and Memorials
Multiprint (Walsall)
Cleveland Containers