An amateur boxing club in Leicester has received a major cash boost thanks to a donation from Persimmon Homes North Midlands.

Our North Midlands branch has awarded Leicester Lightning a £1,000 grant as they continue to support local groups and charities in the area.

We donate up to £64,000 a month to fund initiatives as part of the highly successful Community Champions scheme.

The club acts as a sanctuary to young people from the local area and helps to provide a safe, disciplined and respectful environment where sporting activity can inspire and transforms lives.

A large proportion of the club’s members are drawn from Braunstone – a deprived area, with 62% of residents categorised as DE social grade and higher than average levels of child poverty and poor health.

In October 2020, 144 crimes were committed within half a mile of the club’s premises, with 65 of those being violence and sexual offences.

Chris Slatcher, head coach at Leicester Lightning, said: “We’re looking to cover the cost of renting a second room at our premises, therefore doubling the amount of sessions being delivered.

“Currently, the focus has been on getting carded boxers back in the gym, meaning recreational members are missing out which is a massive shame. 

“By renting another room and fitting it out with a multi-purpose mobile boxing ring and freestanding punchbags, we will be able to run sessions for both groups on designated training days.

“We’ll also be able to deliver new classes to cater for members of the local community who have already expressed an interest in taking up boxing.”

Just like many other sports clubs across the country, the pandemic has had a huge impact on Leicester Lightning, particularly given the extra lockdown measures experienced in the city.  

Chris added: “Sessions have only just resumed following lockdown easing, however the financial impact felt by the club during this period has been severe.

“This £1,000 funding from Persimmon Homes is absolutely vital in helping us secure our long-term future so we’d like to say a massive thank you.”

Nadine O'Dowd, sales director at Persimmon Homes North Midlands, said: “We’re delighted to support Leicester Lightning in their bid to improve the lives of young people in the local area.

“Boxing is a sport that teaches discipline, self-control and mental focus, all of which are extremely important life skills to learn from an early age. Not only this but it also has huge health benefits.

“It’s great to hear that this additional money will enable the club to expand its sessions so that more people in the community can get involved and stay active this summer.”

For more information visit www.persimmonhomes.com, or to apply for Community Champions funding visit www.persimmonhomes.com/charity.