Mervyn hopes to raise 10k for Children to Lapland
This Friday, a local gym owner hopes his boxing event is a knock-out succuss in raising £10,000 for children with life-threatening illnesses.
The fight night – on November 17th - is being organised by local man Mervyn Espie, the owner and founder of Boxing NI. The event will take place in his gym in Ballybrakes Business Park.
All proceeds from the night will go towards local Portstewart charity, NI Children to Lapland and Days to Remember Trust. The money raised will help to take terminally ill, life-limited children on an unforgettable trip to meet Santa in Lapland.
Mervyn said he picked NI Children to Lapland as a charity because he was looking for “Something local, that is finding it more difficult”. “Every penny goes towards the charity”, he said.
“We’re aiming to get 400 tickets sold. We’re hitting target at the minute, so that’s good. It takes £800, per child, to go to Lapland. We’re trying to aim for at least 12 or 13 children.”
Ballymoney locals Mati Bubacz (Left) and William McFarland (right) will be fighting at the event.
On the night, each bout will showcase regular ‘white collar’ Ballymoney locals, who have little or no previous fighting experience. Over the past eight weeks, they have all been taught the fundamentals of boxing by Mervyn and his team of coaches.
Mervyn explained that: “They learn the skills up until the point that they can fight comfortably and confidently in the ring.”
“Everything is safe, so that they are not going to get hurt on the night, but they are going to put on a decent show.”
Every boxer is also raising their own money for charity, through sponsorship, all of which will contribute towards NI Children to Lapland.
When asked how the boxers are progressing, Mervyn added: “They’re getting on really well. Honestly, it’s shocking.”
“My view for Boxing NI was to make boxing accessible for everybody”
“This is basically where the ‘white collar’ stemmed from … There has been nothing [like it] in Ballymoney for about seven years.”
The event will begin at 7pm on Friday and tickets cost £20, or £35 for a VIP experience. Tickets can be purchased from Boxing NI’s gym, at Unit 4c Ballybrakes Business Park, or by calling Mervyn on 07886277435.
