By james art The young boxers who won the gold “across the pond” earned themselves a special award on home soil.
Since its inception over the past decade, Brandon Boxing Club members have punched above their weight in regional, national and international competitions.
They returned home from a transatlantic trip to Canada with no fewer than eleven gold medals, setting the benchmark as the first British team to win the prestigious Brampton Boxing Cup.
The club has now won a £1,000 gift from Durham City Freemen to help equip and extend its purpose-built gym.
More than 150 club members, aged between five and 70, use it regularly, with a third being girls.
(Image: Jeff Kitson) The gym is housed in Brandon Cricket Club’s multi-sport complex, off Brandon Lane.
It cares for all members of the community, including those with disabilities and mental health problems.
Key to the success of his boys and girls teams are his team of dozens of volunteer coaches.
The latest free agent hit for the club is his third donation in four years.
Previous gifts have helped cover the cost of boxing gloves, punching bags and training pads.
The latter contribution will be used in the new expansion to improve the strength and conditioning of aspiring boxers.
Includes rowing machine, treadmill, turbo bike, dumbbells and weights.
(Image: Jeff Kitson) Club competitions secretary Alex Oliver, a civil servant awarded the 2017 BEM for services to sport, said: “Fundraising is a never-ending process for all volunteer-led organizations like ours.
“Our membership continues to grow and our involvement in competitions means the need to replace worn kit is relentless.
“Support from organizations like the Freemen is vital to our survival and success.”
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Eric Bulmer, chairman of the Freemen’s Charitable Trust, said: “It is difficult to quantify the extraordinary benefits the club offers to a wide range of people and the wellbeing of the community.
“It’s a beacon of what can be achieved by dedicated volunteers who support people and help them reach their potential, in and out of the ring.
“The club thoroughly deserves the support that the Free People can provide.”