The General Manager of the Winchester Royal Hotel, Louis Rigney, has helped raise more than £7,000 for a local charity by taking part in a charity boxing match.
Following a similar event last year, Louis (pictured in red) took to the ring again as part of a white-collar charity boxing match on Saturday 1 December to raise money for Dorset Mind, a local mental health charity.
Hosted by Vantage Sporting Group, the event sees participants of ranging abilities put themselves on an eight-week training course before being paired up to compete in a three-round boxing match in front of a live audience at the O2 Academy Bournemouth.
A delighted Louis, who won his match by technical knock-out in the second round for a second consecutive year, said: “I had an amazing night once again and I can’t thank everyone at Vantage Sporting Group and the coaches at Fit2box enough for this experience. Stepping out of my comfort zone of hotel management and into ‘fight management’ has taught me so much over the past two years.
“Obviously winning the match was great, but that was just a bonus really. The whole aim was to raise as much money for Dorset Mind – a charity that does so much great work in our local area. Mental Health is very topical at the moment and is something that can affect any one at any time. It is something that needs awareness so it’s pleasing to be able to contribute, even if only in a small way.”
Louis nearly doubled his own personal fundraising goal raising £490 and thanked everyone who donated but insists he won’t be asking for donations for a third bout. “I really appreciated everyone who supported me and donated to this fantastic cause. Don’t worry though, I won’t be asking you to dip into your pockets again as I’m officially retiring from competitive boxing undefeated!But I’ll definitely stay involved and keep it up for fitness.
“I’ve loved every minute of it; the training, the rapport that all the boxers and coaches have built up, and especially the main fight night. I’d like to thank everyone who has allowed me to do this and for helping us raise money for a very worthy cause in Dorset Mind.”
You can find out more about Dorset Mind and support it gives people with mental health difficulties.
