Littleborough lad aims to deliver knock-out result for Jolly Josh

A 23-year-old from Littleborough who once showed great promise in the boxing ring is picking up his gloves to raise money for local disabled children’s charity Jolly Josh.

Having chosen a different path in life for a few years, Callum Ashton is fighting fit and ready to deliver a knock-out result in March for the Castleton-based Centre for children with complex needs.

He said: “Boxing is a way of life and something you can always go back to. I get so much from being involved with the sport, from the daily training sessions and sparring to the whole experience of being part of our boxing family.

“I train at Micky’s Gym in Milnrow, along with my dad, Colin. Everyone there is really supportive, whether you are training to fight in the ring, or simply to keep fit. After a few years' break, last year I decided to put my gloves back on, and I’ve been really successful, winning five out of my last six fights.”

Taking to the ring again on 24 March, at a ‘white collar’ (or unlicenced) ‘Sting Like A Beest’ tournament at Ashton Masonic Hall, Callum’s aim is to go the distance and pull no punches in an effort to steal a win for himself and for Jolly Josh.

“Last year my dad raised funds for Jolly Josh through a charity golf tournament and family fun day at The Moorcock Inn that raised £1,100 for Jolly Josh. After his visit to the centre, he told me about all the amazing work they do for disabled children, which made me think about how my own family and my boxing family, have made a difference in my life. This gave me the idea of helping to do the same for other families in the borough by using my boxing skills and talents to help someone else’s family to thrive.

“My fight will be all the more poignant for our community as my fight will be in memory of Blake, the son of friends of mine, Josh Hird and Stacey Netherwoods. Sadly, Blake passed away in September last year, as a result of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). Josh and Stacey both agree that helping other children in Blake’s memory would be a fitting tribute to their son, so choosing to support Jolly Josh was a unanimous decision,” Callum explained.

 

 

Going into the ring at 71kg, light middleweight Callum is asking family and friends to sponsor his efforts in aid of Jolly Josh, and is also giving a percentage of his own ticket sales towards his fundraising total.

Jolly Josh community fundraiser, Lillie Winterbottom, said: “It was lovely to meet Callum for the first time, and to chat with his dad Colin, who does all he can to help us here at the centre.

“This is a fantastic example of how your biological family, along with the family you create through the friendships we make outside the home, can provide amazing support and inspiration in life, and to help others, which reflects our ethos here at Jolly Josh, which is to connect, support and thrive.

“There is no doubt that Callum will put everything he has into his training, on fight night and towards his ultimate goal of one day turning professional. We are super proud of Callum and wish him all the best as he fights his corner for Jolly Josh and in memory of Blake.”

You can sponsor Callum as he takes to the ring for Jolly Josh by visiting https://www.collectionpot.com/pot/3065487/ or you can buy your own fight night tickets by calling 07368 187 309.