A boxing gym is preparing to spread some festive cheer with a free Christmas Day giveaway of boxing gloves and footballs.
St Edmund Boxing Club, which opened in July in Eastern Way, Bury St Edmunds, will host the event on December 25 from 8am to 11am to offer families the chance to use the gym’s facilities free of charge.
Head coach Chas Driscoll, 34, said he wanted to give back to the community and support families who may be struggling during the festive season.
Head coach Chas Driscoll with some of the boxing gloves. Picture: Mark Westley
He said: “I know Christmas can be tough for families, so this event is for anyone who might not have many gifts to open on the day.
“We just want families to come along, grab a pair of gloves or a football, and have fun for a few hours – try out the bags and enjoy a simple, family-friendly boxing session.”
The gym is set to give away £500 worth of gloves and £100 worth of footballs with the event open to anyone, including those seeking a break from alcohol-related festivities as St Edmund Boxing Club supports the town’s Alcoholics Anonymous group.
Chas founded the boxing club in 2024 with a goal of introducing boxing for all ages and abilities. Picture: Mark Westley
“Christmas morning can be difficult for people in recovery,” Chas said. “I know the champagne gets cracked open early in a lot of people’s houses.
“So this is a chance to get out of the house, do something positive and be around some friendly faces.”
Moreton Men Sports Group CIC, which promotes men’s mental health through sport, will also be taking part in the event while Whiting Street’s gourmet barbecue restaurant Meat and Greet will provide free food.
Meat and Greet owner Lee Gaught said it was a pleasure to be involved in such a community-focused initiative.
Chas said the Christmas Day giveaway event was his way of giving back to the town’s community. Picture: Mark Westley
“I’ve known Chas for a long time and after seeing his posts about doing something on Christmas Day, I knew I had to be involved,” he said.
“That time of year can be difficult for people so this just felt like a great way to give back to the community I’ve lived in all my life. As I’m in a position where I can help, it really is a pleasure to be part of it.”
Gifts will be handed out on a first-come first-served basis on the day, but Chas said he is confident there will be enough for every child who attends.
He hopes the event will also inspire young people in Bury who are interested in boxing to get involved with the gym’s growing community.
St Edmund Boxing Club travelled to Harrow in North London on Saturday for the Check Hook Championships. Picture: SubmittedHelder and Freddie won their fights, while Harry and Alex fought well but lost on points. Picture: Submitted
As well as serving as a hub for people of all ages, St Edmund Boxing Club members have also been competing in events including the recent Check Hook Championships in Harrow.
Fighters Helder and Freddie both won their respective senior and junior bouts while Harry and Alex put in strong performances on their debuts and narrowly lost on points.