Local boxing club aided by generous cash boost

The Elswick Road facility has been boosted by more than £12,000 donated by one of its major sponsors Sapphire Utility Solutions.

Employees of the Preston-based firm helped raise some of the cash along with its partners, including Reconomy, Naylor Drainage, Jetchem Systems Limited, Manchester Safety

Services, RSM Lining Supplies, CID Group and more.

The ongoing support has helped to fund the non for profit organisation considerably, after the

knockon effect that Covid-19 has had

Michael Patel, CEO and Founder of Sapphire Utility Solutions, said: “We are delighted to continue this long-term investment within our local community to help put children on the right path of purpose and discipline.

"Having boxed as a child myself, I understand how important it is for children to understand respect and avoid violence.”

Jimmy Moon – one of the three co-founders of Larches and Savick along with Dave Fitzgerald and Joe Kilshaw – said: “We have been especially pleased with our partnership with Sapphire and can not thank them enough for their support and generosity.

"Covid-19 was a difficult time for the leisure and sport sector and being a not-for-profit organisation means that most of our funding comes from grants, small fees and our amateur boxing shows.

“Unfortunately, Covid restrictions meant that most of our funding for nearly two years was non-existent and the stability and security of the club has been in question.

"Sapphires’ support, at a crucial time, has enabled us to reopen with some security so that we can continue to provide our services to the community.

"The money that has been donated and raised by Sapphire has enabled us to purchase much needed gym equipment, a new ring canvas, boxing equipment including gloves, pads and punchbags and helped us repair the machines that the gym users need.

"We are not just a boxing club, our users range between 6 and 80 years old which proves we are a much needed facility in the community.”