A sell-out boxing show packed a punch for poorly Walsall children by landing £3,230 worth of new toys and equipment.

The generous donation through Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust’s charity Well Wishers enabled items to be bought for the ward and for children to play with in the outdoor area off Ward 21 at Walsall Manor Hospital, and a picnic area.

Money was raised through ticket sales and a raffle on the night after around 200 people filled Rushall Labour Club for the popular annual show.

Staff from Walsall Healthcare donned the gloves for the cause, pitting their wits against boxers from Wild Star Boxing Gym in Aldridge and other local gyms to fill a card of 10 bouts.

Many of the boxers are trained by Walsall’s former British lightweight champion and the charity’s Patron Martin Gethin, who owns Wild Star with his brother Stephen.

Emma Lester, Play Specialist at Walsall Healthcare, said: “The play team would like to thank the generosity of Well Wishers, the boxers and Martin. Without their fabulous support none of this would happen.

“They have made such a positive impact for the children and young people who attend Children’s Ward, and for their families.

“We have chosen various toys and equipment to meet the different ages of children and young people who visit the ward.

“An example of equipment is a new picnic table so children and their families can sit outside, have something to eat or just chat, especially on a sunny day.

“It gives them the opportunity to have a change of scene from a hospital ward. Having all these wonderful toys and activities means we can make a young person’s stay in hospital more brighter and relaxing and less challenging.”

Father-of-two Martin, 40, from Rushall, said: “It’s a great amount of money we raised. It’s wonderful to see everyone contributing, so thank you to everyone who donated and took part.

Georgie Westley, Well Wishers Fundraising Manager, said: “The boxing show is one of our favourite events of the year with the community coming together to raise fantastic amounts such as this.

“It’s been great to see our young patients get so much enjoyment from the new toys that have been bought to add a little bit more fun when staying on our Children’s Ward.”