Racing staff box clever for Racing Welfare

“I can honestly say my boxing experience with Racing Welfare and UWCB was such a poignant and pivotal point in my 20s. The eight weeks training was gruelling, but you find yourself becoming disciplined and dedicated to showing up each week.
Fight night was a mix of emotions but walking out to my group of rowdy friends and family was just magical. Everyone organising the night was so supportive which made all the difference to the pre-fight nerves. During the fight, my corner guy was so brilliant, calming my nerves and coaching the next rounds. After my 2nd round, he just shouted, ‘YOU’VE WON – just keep going for the final 2 minutes!’ and that I did. I’ll never forget the roar from my support corner. Thanks to the organisers, the fighters, Henry’s Gym, the people who donated and my boisterous family. Everyone loves an underdog don’t they!” said Amber Hunt – marketing executive at Pontefract racecourse – was among the winners on the night.

The list of boxers included racing grooms, stud staff, racecourse employees and jockeys.

Collectively, the boxers raised in excess of £20,000 of vital funds for Racing Welfare, which could cover the costs of hosting coffee mornings and reminiscence events throughout the country for a year for retired beneficiaries, plus employing a welfare officer for three months, providing direct support to people working in or retired from racing.

Gemma Waterhouse said “It was a privilege to see so many people from the northern racing community participating in and supporting this popular event. The evening was hugely entertaining and it was evident just how much effort these guys had put into their training and preparation for fight night.”