Boxers and fundraisers made a powerful combination raising more than £3,500 to support patients living with dementia who are treated at Walsall Manor Hospital.
Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust’s charity Well Wishers once again staged its eighth popular boxing match, supported by local hero and former British lightweight boxing champion Martin Gethin, Patron of the charity.
This year’s event also saw younger boxers in the ring, supported by their friends and families. And a record amount of £3537.80 was raised, which will be used to buy an OMi Mobii projection system for the hospital’s Dementia Unit. This will be used to encourage patients’ movement and improve their concentration, emotional wellbeing and social interaction.
Among those boxing on Friday night were Andy Gilkes who took part in the first event back in 2016 and has been a regular over the years. He took part in an exhibition bout with his opponent.
He said: “Not only are we raising money for Well Wishers but holding an exhibition match like mine encourages people to get in the ring – it’s about showing support for boxers and helping their confidence grow too.
“And having some of the younger boxers this year will have done wonders for them, taking part in front of a crowd cheering them on. I love being part of these charity matches.”
For Lee Donaldson, who is 39, taking part also reminded him of why he loved to box in his younger years.
“I signed up because my wife told me I’d got to – happy wife, happy life!” he joked.
“But it has been brilliant to take part, there’s such a great, supportive atmosphere and all for charity.”
And Lee’s wife Kirsty, who is an Advanced Clinical Practitioner, at Walsall Healthcare, also made biscuits to sell, raising £400 towards the total.
Matt Chaloner found himself competing twice when a boxer had to pull out.
“I wasn’t expecting that but did feel confident and I won both my matches which is a great feeling. Everyone taking part has a great attitude and we all wanted to support Well Wishers,” he said.
Previous events have also raised significant funds for patients with dementia as well as the hospital’s Children’s Ward and Goscote Hospice.
Martin said: “It was another great night and that’s a fantastic amount to have raised for Well Wishers – it’s got to be one of the best yet.
“Thank you to everyone who took part, showing the best sportsmanship and respect in the ring, and everyone who bought tickets and supported the raffle on the night too. I’m sure we’ll do it all over again soon.”
Well Wishers would like to thank White Star Line for performing at this year’s event and the following sponsors:
- IC Containers
- Cotty’s Waste Removal
- Gerrard Construction Ltd
- Unison – Walsall Branch
- Geoff’s Decks
- Dor-2-Dor
- JABS Event Hire
- Multiprint UK
- Blakemore Foundation
- Rushall Labour Club
- Midland Langar Seva Society (made sandwiches)
Georgie Westley, Fundraising Manager, added: “Our boxing fundraiser is always a big community event, and we love seeing everyone come together to support Well Wishers so generously.
“Thank you to all of our sponsors this year as well as Martin and Sherilyn Gethin, Mick Cooper for MC duties, Gavin Beech our referee, Joanne Smith our ring girl, photographer Benjamin Johnson and Big Slice Pizza.
“This is a brilliant amount to have raised, and it will make such a difference to our staff who support patients living with dementia which is what our charity is all about – buying items above and beyond what the NHS can provide.”