Harry Scott, a former boxing coach, dedicated four decades to training the best of the best, including boxer Jamie Cox, who won at the 2006 Commonwealth Games.
Mr Scott died at the age of 86 at Great Western Hospital on Sunday, April 20, 2025, following an illness.
Harry was a coach at the Walcott Boxing Club for more than 40 years and spent more than 30 of those as head coach. He also worked with children with social services to help them improve their life and keep them off of the streets.
As of Tuesday, February 10, 2026, a memorial has now been installed in Swindon to remember the beloved boxer.
Harry Scott with 2006 Commonwealth Games Gold Medallist Jamie Cox (Image: South Swindon Parish Council)
The memorial bench pays tribute to a Swindon ‘legend’ (Image: South Swindon Parish Council)
The bench, located near the play zone and play park at Buckhurst Field, was officially unveiled during a ceremony.
This is the second bench dedicated to Harry in Swindon, the first overlooking the pond in Queens Park, where Harry used to take his young family, and enjoyed jogging around in later life.
The beloved boxer left behind his wife, Doreen, his son, Harold, and his two daughters, Monica and Yvonne, who attended the emotional unveiling.
“It was a hell of a turnout for my dad,” said Harold Scott, Harry’s son.
“It was wonderful going back and remembering some good names there, Phill Day, Paul Rogers, Pete O’Neal, all helped out with the club at some points in their lives, and so many champions that my dad brought up.
“I’m very pleased and proud of what everyone’s done in the past and maybe continuing into the future.”
Boxing coach Harry Scott.
The memorial bench pays tribute to a Swindon ‘legend’ (Image: South Swindon Parish Council)
Councillor Steve Allsopp, who attended the unveiling, added: “While I never had the privilege of meeting Harry Scott, I am inspired by the sheer scale of the legacy he left behind.
“Standing here in Walcot, it is clear that Harry didn’t just train champions in the ring; he built character in the community.
“For over 40 years, he offered hundreds of young people a path toward discipline, health, and a better future.
“The council are honoured to install this bench, standing as a permanent ‘thank you’ from a grateful town to a man who gave so much of himself to ensure our youth had a future.”
The bench unveiling was an emotional day for all involved (Image: South Swindon Parish Council)
Throughout his life, Harry received many accolades recognising his contribution to the community.
These included the Swindon Mayor’s award for Services to the Community, the Nationwide Building Society Community award, the Youth Action Wiltshire Youth Leader award.
The Swindon Advertiser previously awarded Harry a Lifetime Achievement Award, after he was voted in a poll of the most important people to have ever lived in Swindon.