Norton-Radstock Amateur Boxing Club recently held a fundraising night at its gym in Coombend.
Inspired by the idea of club member Del Buckingham, a native of Sydney, Australia, who has witnessed the devastation on the television news footage, and from constant communication with her family, she approached head coach, Sean Jenkins, with an idea. She said:?“Being an animal lover, I am really upset to see the tragic results left by these bush fires my country is enveloped in. Seeing night after night the death of all the innocent animals and the woodland burnt to blackness is so sad.
“So, after contacting an Australian wildlife rescue website back home about donating money to the cause, I decided to ask Sean if the club would like to join in, and was over the moon when he agreed.
“If anyone wants to donate to a great rescue organisation, then please visit: ?www.wires.org.au.?”
The sponsored event featured a ninety-second timer, a punch bag and boxing gloves, the task in hand was to strike the heavy punch bag as many times as possible in the ninety seconds. Encouraged by their gym mates, Del and friends set about the task.
At the end of the painful period, 13-year-old, Ben Coles, came out on top with a whopping, 499 hits.
Sean said: “It wasn’t really about who could hit the most, at the end of the day, it was a bit of fun for a serious cause, but everyone involved put in a great effort and pushed each other. Ben asked me to make sure I gave him a mention.
“Joking aside, I know how upset Del is, being thousands of miles away from home and not being able to help, so this is her way of doing her small bit for the wildlife she loves.
“Del has been a member of the ladies fitness class for a while now, so the club and its members were happy to donate, as I hope other people reading this will.”
With donations still coming in, the team have so far collected £495 for their hard ninety-second challenge. Del said: “I’m super chuffed with that amount and want to thank everyone involved.”
Sean Jenkins