A charity and mental health-focused boxing event is set to take place for Leeds hospitality workers next week.
Industry Boxing Events run by Ricky Burwell and Ben Randm will see 20 hospitality workers from bars and restaurants across Leeds compete with each other in a boxing match on Tuesday 2nd August in Leeds Corn Exchange.
Ricky and Ben set up the business in 2017. Ricky, who has a background working in hospitality understood the strain on hospitality workers and wanted to create the boxing events as a way for the employees to get fit and participate in something productive to boost their physical and mental health.
Ricky Burwell says:
“The hospitality industry is one of the toughest to work in. The hours are long, stress is high and there is exposure to a lot of alcohol which can be a dangerous combination. We set up Industry Boxing Events to give those in hospitality the chance to do something more productive, feel physically and mentally better about themselves and support charities in the process.”
The whole hospitality and wider Leeds community is invited to attend the events and support the boxers who’ve been training for eight weeks by Golden Team Boxing Gym, Hunslet.
Jake Kelly, a bar manager at The Maven is one of the challengers who has chosen local homelessness charity, Simon on the Streets to raise funds for.
Jake Kelly comments:
“I love working in hospitality, but it can take it out of you and working in Leeds city centre means that exposure to homelessness is constant. I regularly chat with the local homeless guys, it’s something I’ve always cared about so when the opportunity came up to train in boxing and support a cause close to my heart, I jumped at the chance. I’m pleased to be able to support Simon on the Streets through this event and I’ve already raised hundreds of pounds for them to continue their work to support rough sleepers across the city.”
Simon On the Streets is a registered charity that focuses on unsupported people with a history of rough sleeping in Leeds, Bradford, and Huddersfield.
The team offers street-based, emotional, and practical support for those who cannot access mainstream services. Part of Simon on the Streets’ role is tackling the behavioural issues and mental illnesses that result in homelessness and addiction.
To book tickets to attend the boxing event on Tuesday visit https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/ibe-summer-in-full-swing-tickets-388012665327?aff=ebdssbdestsearch.
