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SIXTEEN boxers came out fighting for mental health this week at a white-collar fight night organised in memory of a man who took his own life.
The event, organised by Fighting for Charity, raise more than £25,000 for the Charlie Watkins Foundation, set up in memory of Essex-born Charlie.
The foundation was set up last year by Harry Watkins, Charlies’ twin brother, after his death in March 2017.
Harry said: “The fight night was a huge success and a fantastic experience. The amount of money raised for the Charlie Watkins Foundation is incredible and it will help the foundation so much with future projects, including our recently launched online platform for students, Chat with Charlie.”
Chat with Charlie was developed by Mid and North East Essex Mind in partnership with the Charlie Watkins Foundation and provides mental health support and signposting during the early evening to students, initially those at the University of Essex.
Students can register to take part in one to one support sessions with trained volunteers or take part in a group chat with their peers.
Harry said the money raised from the fight, which took place at the famous home of boxing York Hall in Bethnal Green, will go towards developing further initiatives like this.
Fighting for Charity (FFC) has been raising money for different charities since its inception in 2013.
FFC’s founder Jamie Toff is a boxer himself who has won both the British and European white collar weight titles.
He said: “It’s been brilliant being able to support the Charlie Watkins Foundation for this fight night.
“Mental health in young people, especially men who may feel like they’re unable to speak freely about their feelings, is so important.
“We hope this night has inspired others to talk about mental health.”
The results of the night were as follows:
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Paul Wilkinson vs. Pete Davies Result: Exhibition bouts
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Zaharan Sofi vs. Floriana Borgioli Result: Zaharan Sofi wins
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Issy Mehmet vs. Nick Fava Result: Nick Fava wins
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James Reilly vs. Dean McGeachie Result: Draw
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David Sobers vs. Scott Assemakis Result: David Sobers wins
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Jacob Holme vs. Chris McCann Result: Jacob Holme wins
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Bertie Troughton vs. Chris Prior Result: Bertie Troughton wins
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Sam Goddard vs. Antoine Dunn Result: Antoine Dunn wins
The next event in the Charlie Watkins Foundation calendar is a Charity Golf Day, which is taking place on 13th September this year at the New Zealand Golf Course in Surrey.
For more information on Fighting for Charity, please visit: https://fightingforcharity.com
