Bristol mortgage adviser fundraiser punch-up a knock-out success

Ryan and his colleagues. Back row – Mark Hawthorn, Ryan Boyd, Zoë Steer (Diabetes UK), Alastair McKee, Stuart Kemp, Jason Pierpoint. Front row – Mark McLeod, Adam Cozens, Dave Allan.

Bristol mortgage adviser Ryan Boyd, 25, and nine of his London and Country Mortgages colleagues raised £8,700 for Diabetes UK after a bruising night of boxing, British Army band music and broken shoulders at Bath Pavilion on Friday 16 July.

The evening saw five fights take place; Stuart Kemp beat Aaron Lyall in the fourth round of the featherweight due to fatigue; David Allan beat Jason Pierpoint based on the referee’s decision at the end of the fifth round of the lightweight; Mark Mcleod and Adam Cozens drew after five rounds; Mark Hawthorn won by default in the second round of the welterweight after opponent Andrew Whitmore dislocated his shoulder; and the eagerly-awaited heavyweight match saw organiser Ryan Boyd retire in the second round after a knee to the ribs by opponent Alastair McKee.

As well as egging the fighters on, the 500 guests were entertained by tribal dance and music courtesy of the British Army, talks from Zoë Steer from Diabetes UK South West and ex-professional boxer Glenn Catley, who also refereed the matches, and an after-party at the Opa Meze bar.

Ryan Ryan organised the fundraising fight after his granddad died of diabetes complications, aged 64, six years ago.

“While growing up I only ever knew him being ill and taking medication. Always a very proud and very strong man I never knew to what extent he was ill until I got older and had a better understanding,” explains Ryan.

“He had issues relating to his kidneys, water infections and blood pressure; all of which were linked to diabetes. My grandfather was in and out of hospital for many years getting regular check-ups and receiving various types of treatment. The last two to three years of his life were pretty much spent entirely in hospital.

“I am really chuffed the evening came together so well and we managed to raise so much. Funds are still coming in so I hope we’ll be able to reach our target of
£10,000."

The photos from this story are courtesy of Pete Gettins; many more shots of the night can be viewed in his online gallery.

People can still donate at www.diabeteschallenge.org.uk/challenge/ryanboydcharityboxingevent