Horsham Amateur Boxing Club is raising funds for a long-awaited gym extension in honour of John Essex, who died on May 29 following a lengthy battle with cancer.
Mr Essex dedicated decades of his life to coaching young people in the sport.
In a Gofundme appeal, Horsham Amateur Boxing Club said: “John was a true fighter who fought to the very end and was a huge inspiration to everyone who knew him.
“He gave decades of his life to the sport he loved.”
Mr Essex guided countless young people, including his son Danny, to success in boxing and helped many others turn their lives around through discipline and hard work.
He served as head coach at the club, which has operated in Horsham for more than 40 years.
Now Danny, who was first brought to the club aged eight, has become head coach – taking up where his father left off.
In a tribute, the club said: “In his quietly spoken and humble way, he guided generations of young people away from trouble and into lives of self-discipline, hard work and service.”
The club’s existing gym is based in Horsham Park and was once a public toilet block.
It has secured planning permission and the support of a local builder to deliver a new extension, but the project still faces a funding shortfall.
The club said: “This extension will secure the club’s future and enable many more young people to benefit from John’s legacy.”
A GoFundMe page has raised £800 towards its £9,000 target so far.
Donations can be made online at gofundme.com/f/horsham-amateur-boxing-club-gym-extension-john-essex-rip
Speaking to All About Horsham magazine months before his death, John said his “only disappointment” was never completing the extension, adding that he hoped to see it built but knew Danny and others would get it done.
The boxing club said: “John’s legacy lives on in his son Danny and in the beloved club he gave such dedication to during his life.”
Mr Essex’s family is inviting members of the community and those who wish to honour his memory to contribute to the fundraising effort.