A heartwarming story of legacy and community support is unfolding in Manchester, where a professional boxer is taking on a challenging marathon to ensure the survival of a beloved boxing gym. The grandson of a Manchester boxing legend is stepping into his grandad's shoes, quite literally, to raise funds for the very club that bears his name.
Dale Arrowsmith, 31, will be participating in the Manchester Marathon this April, representing the Roy Richardson's Academy in Stockport. This non-profit gym, named after Dale's grandfather and legendary boxer Roy Richardson, is facing rising costs and a dire need for new equipment.
The gym, run by volunteers, provides training for members aged 11 to 40, and relies on their generosity and fundraising efforts to stay afloat. Dale, a professional fighter himself, explains the passion behind their work: "We do it for the love of helping the kids. We survive on whatever the kids give us, which is around £3 per session and whatever we can raise."
But here's where it gets controversial: with equipment costs skyrocketing and running costs soaring, the gym's future is uncertain. Dale's grandad, Roy, ran the Manchester Marathon back in the 1980s when he was 50, and now Dale wants to honor his legacy by doing the same.
Roy's journey into boxing began in the 1950s, fighting punters for money in carnival boxing booths in Longford Park, Chorlton. At 21, he joined the Royal Engineers for national service, and later married his wife Pat. The couple moved to New Zealand, where Roy began training young fighters at a local club. Upon their return to the UK, Roy started training at the Bredbury Steelworks gym in Stockport in the early 1970s. The club was later renamed the Roy Richardson Boxing Academy in 2018, a testament to his impact on the community.
In 2021, Roy passed away at the age of 88 after battling Alzheimer's. Dale has since taken charge of the operations, and is now leading this fundraising effort.
You can support Dale's fundraiser here and help keep the legacy of Roy Richardson and his boxing academy alive.
And this is the part most people miss: it's not just about the money. It's about the community, the passion, and the love for the sport that keeps these gyms going. So, what do you think? Is this a worthy cause? Should we be doing more to support our local sports clubs? Let's discuss in the comments!
