Boxers are in Phoenix charity's corner

By Ben Fitzgerald - 12 September 2017

CommunitySport

Young boxers showed off their skills at Swindon’s Horseshoe Gym on Friday ahead of a charity bout later this month.

The teenagers will be putting their skills to the test as part of a South West vs London challenge to raise money for the Phoenix Enterprises charity. The event, on September 23, will also host a professional super bantamweight Commonwealth title fight - Ashley Lane vs Michael Ramabeletsa.

Mark Neilson, of event promoters Neilson Boxing said: “We’re the first promoters ever to host a pro-am in Swindon. Because it went so well and we raised some money for local charities, we thought we’d do it again.”

Phoenix chair Emma Rees said: “We are delighted to have again been chosen as the charity of choice for the Neilson’s boxing show later this month. Mental health issues can strike anyone at any time and the world of boxing has had some very high profile former world champions who have bravely spoken publicly about their battles with depression and other issues.”

She explained: “Phoenix provides a vital safety net in Swindon, providing a friendly supportive environment where local people who are experiencing long or short term mental health issues, or who have learning difficulties can start to get structure back into their daily lives and improve self confidence and self esteem. We offer support and help with a wide range of issues ranging from benefit applications to appointments with GPs or consultants. We also offer work experience that is appropriate to the individual’s abilities and needs with the aim of supporting as many of our service users as possible to get back into mainstream employment. We are very proud that five of our service users have found local employment in just the last three weeks. They leave Phoenix with our very best wishes and in the knowledge that we are here if they need us in the future.

“It’s a sobering fact that one in four of us will experience mental health issues at some point in our life and so it’s important that Phoenix is around for years to come.”

The event will be held on Saturday 23 September at the Playfootball arena, Unit 29, Bramble Road, Kembrey Park, Swindon SN2 8HB. For ticket prices or more information call 01793 833468 or email [email protected]

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