Charity Boxing Event Collared for Raising Funds

The Empress Rooms White Collar Boxing Events will be a chance for beginners to train to box over eight weeks, before fighting in the ring in a safe environment in front of family and friends, whilst raising funds for local children’s charity, the Dearne Valley Personal Development Centre.

The charity was founded by John and Jackie Irwin in 2012, and is a place where young people attend who have found it difficult to fit into to mainstream education, so the learning program at Dearne Valley PDC has been tailored to meet their specific needs. The centre aims to create a positive pathway back into mainstream education or college. Providing an alternative curriculum, that will re-engage the most challenging learners.

With funds much needed to keep the project alive, John Irwin is the event founder and a former featherweight British and Commonwealth boxing champion. John said this about the planned events, “White-collar boxing is a fast-growing corporate sport, and we have the skill, venue and experience to host a glamorous event here at the Empress Buildings Ballroom in Mexborough.”

Councillor Sean Gibbons, who is a supporter, said, “This a fabulous project. Some of these children wouldn’t stand a chance in life without this schooling, which I believe should be rolled out nationwide. These are young people who find it difficult learning in traditional academic settings and the Charity provides the perfect setting for young people to develop their life-skills and progress.”

The charity, and the white collar boxing event is also supported by local entrepreneur Jason Mace, managing director of Manvers-based Gala Tent who said, “The Empress Building is enjoying a new lease of life, it’s really great to see the building now providing a venue for raising funds for a great cause”

A fully functional website has been developed and deployed, sponsored by Gala Tent, which provides a platform for interested participants, along with FAQ’s, training tips and nutritional advice. The first black tie event is to take place 23rd May 2020.

John Irwin continued, “The great thing about these events is you get to meet a varied range of participants. We have doctors, dentists, and CEO’s who all love to get involved. It’s a great opportunity for networking as well.”

“The event is proving popular. Our VIP ring side seats, which include a 2-course meal, are already selling out fast. Standing tickets are £20. Or there is the seated ticket priced at £25, or £35 if taken with a main meal. Wherever you are in the venue, you will get a great view of the fights.”

Empress Rooms WCB offer participants the chance to step out of their comfort zone and raise money for Charity by taking part in boxing.

All events are open to male and female participants over the age of 18.

Over the past eighteen months, Jason has invested in refurbishing the former Empress Building ballroom and dance hall into a hub of business, health and community activity. The building, which dates to the 1920s, was built to mirror the great dance halls in places such as Blackpool and for decades it was the hub of social activity in the area, but in recent years had fallen into disrepair before Jason’s intervention.

If you would like to get involved or offer sponsorship then please visit www.erwcb.co.uk