On Sunday, June 7, Steve “Sammy” Sims, Newport’s former British featherweight champion, visited Mary Collingbourne at Nevill Hall Hospital in Abergavenny while she recovered from a painful back condition.
The meeting came after a conversation between Ms Collingbourne’s son, Andrew, and Mr Sims, with Andrew currently helping Sims write his autobiography.
Andrew Collingbourne said: “We thought it would give her a lift by Steve coming along with me to show her his championship belts.
“They had a great time discussing Newport back in the day.
“It was a feel-good story — how patients in hospital can get a lift from Newport’s sporting heroes.”
Ms Collingbourne, now discharged and on the mend, spoke with Mr Sims about her years working at Butchers Quality Meats in Oakfield, Cwmbran.
The shop was owned by her late husband, Charlie Collingbourne.
Mr Sims, 67, became British featherweight champion in September 1982 after defeating Terry McKeown in the 12th round at the St Andrew’s Sporting Club in Scotland.
The title made him the first Welsh holder of the belt since Howard Winstone in 1966, and only the second British champion from Newport after Johnny Basham.
During the hospital visit, Mr Sims brought both his Lonsdale Belt and Welsh Championship Belt.
The Lonsdale Belt, first introduced in 1909, is one of boxing’s most iconic titles.
Mr Sims has long been known for his community work outside the ring, having founded the Ringland Boxing Club in Newport and established Sammy’s Community Hub in Alway.
His visit to Ms Collingbourne reflects his lifelong commitment to supporting others.
Recently, Mr Sims revealed he has been diagnosed with dementia pugilistica, a condition caused by chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) — an incurable degenerative brain disease linked to repeated head impacts.
He began noticing memory issues from the age of 32.
Despite the diagnosis, Mr Sims continues to raise awareness of brain injury in sport and remains active in community projects.
He is currently working on a documentary and his autobiography — the reason for his meeting with Andrew Collingbourne that ultimately led to the hospital visit.
The visit turned into a heartfelt moment for Ms Collingbourne, who shared stories and laughter with Mr Sims at her bedside.
For those at Nevill Hall Hospital, it was a rare and uplifting chance to see a piece of sporting history up close.