It’s a knockout as boxer raises £500 for Salvation Army

A championship boxer from Colchester has raised more than £500 for The Salvation Army’s Christmas Appeal, supporting families who will struggle to make ends meet over the festive season.

Lewis Richardson, who was born in the city, won a silver medal at last year’s European Championships and decided he wanted to support the church and charity in the city. He hosted masterclass sessions, asking for donations or Christmas presents for children from participants.

Lewis explained: “Although I come from a low socioeconomic background, I never went without presents at Christmas. With that in mind, the thought of children not having gifts at Christmas made supporting The Salvation Army even more motivating to do.”

Lewis welcomed more than 40 people to the two hour-long sessions.

He explained: “We had an introduction then had a boxing session with the aim of everyone leaving with a smile on their face - and sweating of course!. The session consisted of a boxing themed warm-up, shadow boxing drills, bag work and a circuit to finish.

“We raised more than £500 and a handful of presents also. With the £500 I went out and purchased around 150 gifts which I then dropped off at The Combat Institute in Colchester. It is nice to give something back to the community and especially to children who may otherwise go without.”

As well as Lewis, James Webb, head coach at The Combat Institute, held a workshop in aid of The Salvation Army with participants asked to donate presents to the appeal.

Majors Filipa and Luis Viriato lead The Salvation Army in Colchester.

Filipa said she and Luis were thrilled with Lewis’ donation.

She added: “We would like to thank Lewis for his amazing contribution towards The Salvation Army Christmas appeal. We really appreciate his initiative and look forward for other possibilities like these in the future.