Martial arts stars help raise funds for Ella

Martin Stapleton (left) Kevin Merriman with Ella Chadwick (centre), Simon Jackson (right)

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The first of four ‘Martial Arts Madness for Ella’ events took place at Hopwood Hall College’s Middleton campus.

The event was in aid of Ella Chadwick, who suffers from a rare condition known as Congenital Nephrotic Syndrome (CNS).

The day was packed with lessons and demonstrations from some of the finest martial arts experts including instruction in Kobudo - weapons based Karate - Kata, Aikido, Tae Kwon Do and  more. Guest instructors included nine times World and European Karate Champion Dr Wayne Otto OBE. During the day, he headed the Karate section, teaching Kumite techniques and drills to the delighted guests. 

Rochdale/England’s cage fighting star, Martin Stapleton, lead the mixed martial arts section. It wasn't long before he was impressing visitors as he demonstrated some of his trade mark skills and showed just how effective his techniques are.

Leading the Tae Kwon Do session was Master Nigel Hudson, head of the UK Tae Kwon Do Council. Nigel teamed up with event organiser and Ella’s cousin, Kevin Merriman, a Fifth Degree Black Belt in Karate to demonstrate their skill at ‘wood breaking’ which involves demolishing wooden boards with their moves. The demonstration became an instant crowd favourite!

In addition, Britain’s favourite Judoka, Simon Jackson MBE, lead guests in a fun, but thorough, work out. Simon who has had to overcome some serious physical limitations of his own commented: "The Martial Arts Madness for Ella event is a great cause for a great local child, who deserves a break and I am really pleased to be supporting it."

Paul Driver, Sports Arena Manager, at Hopwood Hall College, added: “We were very pleased to be able to help Kevin and his fundraising efforts. Ella is such a wonderful girl and the Martial Arts Madness for Ella event was a great way to help raise money so that Ella can have her much needed holiday.”

Kevin Merriman added: “I wish to thank all the guest instructors, participants, parents and also Paul Driver and Stuart Parry of Hopwood Hall College for accommodating the event.

"Ella is the focus of our fundraising and everyone was delighted to see her at the event – she instantly became the centre of attention and melted the hearts of those who had turned out in support.

"We will now be focusing on our next events – a series of seminars in September that will be conducted by legendary Japanese Karate Master Akira Sato eighth Dan.”

Fundraising efforts to date have raised an impressive £1,600 and it is hoped much more will be raised over the coming months so that Ella and her family can enjoy a much needed dream holiday to Disney Land.

To find out more about the fundraising activities, please contact Jo Merriman on 07905 521582.