A FIGHT night is being staged at a York pub to raise funds for the daughters of a couple killed in a terror attack.

Angelika and Marcin Klis, who lived in York, were waiting for their daughters outside Manchester Arena on May 22 when they were among 22 people killed by a suicide bomber.

Annoula Wilby has organised a series of fundraising events at The Ainsty with the local community - including a fun day and a Full Monty night - which have so far raised about £11,000 to support the couple’s two daughters.

On December 1, 28 members of the local community will take to the ring for a series of sponsored fights which are expected to raise upwards of £9,000.

Tickets for the event, on Friday, December 1, have already sold out, and Annoula said she was very pleased with the response, but disappointed that she would be watching from the sidelines.

She said: “It’s been fantastic. They’re all novices, there are a few who have done a charity fight before, but that’s it. This will be the first time they’ve fought, I don’t know how I’ve talked them into it.

“I can’t do it, but I would love to get in the ring. I’ve been itching at times and I think I’ve been sulking a bit, thinking ‘why can’t I do this’, but I suffer with a number of complaints and the reality is it’s something I can’t do.”

Carly Mackenzie, who trains in York Masters Boxing Club, is whipping the fighters into shape ready for the fundraiser, and said each fight would include three 90-second rounds.

She said: “We’re treating them as if they are fighters, doing the training I was given when training for a title fight. There have had to be some exceptions, as it’s for charity but at the same time they’ve to get into the ring and fight.

“I’ve been surprised at how nice people are, they’ve been crying when they have had to pinch someone. Boxing is a hard sport, but when you’re training with fighters it’s not a problem but when you’re doing it with the community they don’t want to hit someone. They are getting over it though.”

Carly, who is currently also in preparation for her next title fight, said she was looking forward to seeing the matches and how the fighters coped after 11 weeks of training.

She said: “It’s quite emotional.

“There’s a real gang of different personalities. With them all being brand new it’s been hard work. Blood, sweat and tears, but I’m really proud of them all. Compared to when they started they’ve come a long way.”

“I’m pairing them off against those best suited for each other, getting them to spar together and making sure it’s fair so no one gets bashed or embarrassed and making sure they are on par. It’s been hard work but it’s for a good cause.”

Sponsorship and donations can still be made through the pub or by contacting annoulawilby2015@gmail.com.