Training to deliver a knock-out result for Jolly Josh

Local lad, Callum Ashton is continuing his family’s fundraising efforts by championing local disabled children’s charity Jolly Josh, by taking to the boxing ring this spring.

As a teenager the now 23-yearold Littleborough local Callum, showed great promise in the boxing ring. Having chosen a different path in life for a few years, last year he picked up his gloves once more, and is fighting fit and ready to deliver a knockout result for Castleton based Centre for children with complex needs.

“Boxing is a way of life and something you can always go back to. I get so much from being involved with the sport, from the daily training sessions and sparring to the whole experience of being part of our boxing family,” said Callum.

“I train at Micky’s Gym in Milnrow, along with my dad, Colin. Everyone there is really supportive, whether you are training to fight in the ring, or simply to keep fit. After a few years break, last year I decided to put my gloves back on, and I’ve been really successful, winning five out of my last six fights”, added Callum.

Taking to the ring again on the 24th of March, at a ‘white collar’ (or unlicenced) ‘Sting Like A Beest’ tournament at Ashton Masonic Hall, Callum’s aim is to go the distance and pull no punches in an effort to steal a win for himself and for Jolly Josh.

“Last year my dad raised funds for Jolly Josh through a charity golf tournament and family fun day at The Moorcock Inn that raised £1,100.00 for Jolly Josh. After his visit to the Centre, he told me about all the amazing work they do for disabled children, which made me think about how my own family, along with my boxing family, have made a difference in my life. This gave me the idea of helping to do the same for other families in the Borough by using my boxing skills and talents to help someone else’s family to thrive.

“My fight will be all the more poignant for our community as my fight will be in memory of Blake, the son of friends of mine, Josh Hird and Stacey Netherwoods. Sadly, Blake passed away in September last year, as a result of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). Josh and Stacey both agree that helping other children in Blake’s memory would be a fitting tribute to their son, so choosing to support Jolly Josh was a unanimous decision,” Callum explained.

Going into the ring at 71kg, Light Middleweight Callum is asking family and friends to sponsor his efforts in aid of Jolly Josh, and is also giving a percentage of his own ticket sales towards his fundraising total.

Of Callum’s fundraising and boxing endeavours Jolly Josh Community Fundraiser, Lillie Winterbottom, said: "It was lovely to meet Callum for the first time, and to chat with his dad Colin, who does all he can to help us here at the Centre.

"There is no doubt that Callum will put everything he has into his training, on fight night and towards his ultimate goal of one day turning Professional. We are super proud of Callum and wish him all the best as he fights his corner for Jolly Josh and in memory of Blake."

You can sponsor Callum by visiting www.collectionpot.com/pot/3065487.