Grantham father beats cage fighter in charity boxing match

A 45-year-old Grantham father has taken on a trained cage fighter in support of St Barnabas and won!

Steve Atkin, a construction worker, took part in a charity boxing match to raise money for St Barnabas Hospice. Steve did this in memory of his dad, Terry Atkin.

Boxing novice Steve had originally been paired with a 42-year-old of similar ability. Three hours before his match was due to start, he was given notice of a change of opponent. Steve’s new opponent was a 32-year-old cage fighter with 37 wins out of 47 fights under his belt!

After a tough three-round match, Steve won convincingly on points.

Steve, who works for Daniel Charles Construction, said: “My dad was everything to me. I worked with him on building sites and he taught me everything I know. He was my best mate as well as a dad, and a true hero.

“I had been training with Russ Brown at Browny’s Boxing Gym to keep fit but had no previous experience of a boxing match, so my wife suggested I take on this challenge to raise money for St Barnabas.

“The care Dad received from St Barnabas Hospice was excellent, and I can’t thank them enough.”

Steve has previously fund-raised in memory of a friend by taking on a 10k race and the Tough Mudder, and is excited to continue fund-raising in the future.

Mike Pastor, Challenge Events Fund-raiser at St Barnabas Hospice, said: “We are so proud of what Steve has achieved in memory of his dad, and his story just goes to show the huge lengths people will go to in memory of their loved ones.

“I would encourage more people to step out of their comfort zone like Steve has, and take on a challenge in support of St Barnabas Hospice.”

If you would like to take on a challenging event in support of St Barnabas Hospice, contact Mike Pastor at mike.pastor@stbarnabashospice.co.uk or call 01522 540 300.