Community club Brandon ‘deeply moved’ by surprise cash boost
April 29, 2019 | by Matt Halfpenny
Brandon Boxing Club in England Boxing’s Tyne Tees and Wear region have been ‘deeply moved’ by a £100 donation received in memory of a former GP who worked at a surgery a few miles down the road.
Doris Dodds wrote to the club with the pledge after news that her brother Jack Fitzgerald – a doctor in nearby Sacriston until 1966 – had passed away in Melbourne, Australia at the age of 90.
She added that she had seen the exploits of the community club on television in a BBC feature.
Head Coach Alex Oliver founded the club in 2013 having successfully boxed as an amateur for Spennymoor ABC with the aim of supporting and encouraging young men and women in the East Durham area, getting g kids ‘off the street’ and promoting a healthier lifestyle.
He has written back to Ms Dodds on behalf of the club, saying they have been ‘touched’ by her generosity and explaining that the money will be used to purchase equipment.
England Boxing’s Club Support Officer for the Tyne, Tees and War region, Matthew Williams, visited the club last week and believes there is no more deserving recipient of a donation.
“Brandon Boxing Club is a really friendly, welcoming club with a great team of volunteers and in the six years since opening the club has made huge progress,” he said.
“As word of the club spread throughout the community, they quickly outgrew their original premises and the move to a brand new gym last year was developed in partnership with the local cricket club.
“The place has a real buzz about it and is a huge asset to the community and this surprise donation is such a great story and is very well deserved.”
Among Brandon’s number are European Junior Silver medallist and England international Megan Bainbridge, who won the England Boxing National Junior Championships 2019 in Rotherham in March.
Pics courtesy of Michael Young Photography
