Boxers ready to raise money for local children

The War for the Warriors has been organised by Annoula Wilby and regulars at The Ainsty in Boroughbridge Road, and will see 18 male and female novices take part.

All participants will have received 11 weeks of training from local boxer Carly McKenzie ready for the event, which will be held at Henry's Gym in the Regents Building, Acomb on June 9.

All funds raised from the event will go towards helping Emmie Fafera, Leo Lengyel-Ducey and Rylie Jack South, who each have severe disabilities.

Annoula said: "Money raised will pay for Emmie and Leo and their families to go to the light parade at Disneyland Paris and to get Leo a hydropool hot tub. The rest of the money raised will go to a fantastic charity called Newlife, who offer equipment and support to disabled and terminally ill children.

"Emmie is nearly three years old and has a very rare form of epilepsy called Otahara syndrome which means she will never reach her developmental markers and will always be dependent on her mum dad and family. Unfortunately, the prognosis isn’t great with Otahara syndrome the light parade at Disneyland will be great for her sensory needs and memories for the family. Leo has just turned three, and has the worse type of cerebral palsy you can have. He is also blind and suffers from epilepsy. Again, he is completely dependent on his mum dad and family. He loves lights and music and will have a fantastic time at Disneyland he also needs a hot tub which will benefit his muscle tightness and pain."

Rylie has spina bifida, meaning he cannot walk, but takes part in inclusive wheelchair basketball, and funds will help his mother Lydia Green buy a specialist lightweight chair for his sports and to make him more independent.

Tickets for the event, which also includes an auction of sporting memorabilia, are available now and cost £20. To find out more, email annoulawilby2015@gmail.com