Boxers punch their way to £140,000 for military charities 19 November 2009
Sgt Fletcher, 1 Lancs, takes a punch during The Wars of The Roses charity boxing match.
On 12 November the finest boxers from The Yorkshire Regiment squared up to those from The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment to contest 'The Wars of the Roses'.
This highly charged night of amateur boxing took place at Saviles Hall in Leeds and helped to raise £140,000 for The Army Benevolent Fund (The Soldiers' Charity), Help for Heroes and Regimental benevolent funds.
The evening was enjoyed by more than 500 people and consisted of a mix of serving and retired personnel and civilians representing local and national companies. As well as the boxing the night included a black tie dinner and a display form The Band of the King's Division and the 3 YORKS Corp of Drums.
In an exciting and close contest The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment eventually came out on top winning by 7 bouts to 2. The prize of 'most courageous' boxer was won by Craftsman Wales 3 YORKS whilst Sergeant Quinn 1 LANCS picked up the prize for the 'best boxer' of the night. Both teams of boxers upheld the greatest traditions of amateur boxing and through their determination and courage put on a great show.
Event organiser Lieutenant Colonel Nigel Smith was delighted with the outcome. He said: ‘The evening was about raising Regimental profiles and money - we have been overwhelmed by the extent of the public's support and generosity; and thanks to the boxers and all who so generously supported the event we exceeded all expectations."
Wars of the Roses II is scheduled to take place at Elland Road, home of Leeds United FC, on 24 April 2010 (the day after St George's Day) with the anticipation that this will become an annual event in the sporting calendar and will alternate between Lancashire and Yorkshire in the interests of neutrality.
The next event will run along similar lines and the organisers hope to raise even more money for these very worthy causes - directly supporting soldiers and their families.
Anyone wishing to retrospectively support such a worthwhile cause is encouraged to visit the justgiving link at www.warsoftheroses.org.uk where you will also find updates and details of the sequel on 24th April 2010 at Leeds United FC.
A big thank you to everyone who supported this great event.