Joe Talbot and Willie J Healy to complete cycling challenge in aid of Bristol youth boxing charity

Joe Talbot and Willie J Healy to complete cycling challenge in aid of Bristol youth boxing charity

Posted on: 26 Aug 2021

The IDLES frontman will be joined by singer-songwriter Willie J Healy in cycling from London to Bristol to raise money for Empire Fighting Chance.

 

The ride will take place on Friday 27 August and will see the pair cycle from IDLES' London gig at Banquet Records to Friendly Records in Bristol 24 hours later.

 

All funds raised will go to Empire Fighting Chance, a youth mental health charity using non-contact boxing to empower young people in difficult circumstances and facilitate positive change in their lives.

 

At the time of writing, the pair have raised £2189 of their £3000 target.

Talbot said in a statement: "It is with great excitement and honour that Willie and I can start to give back to Empire Fighting Chance who are a charity working with our local boxing gym to support and change the lives of underprivileged children from Bristol in giving them a focus that has changed so many lives through boxing already.

 

"We are cycling from London to Bristol to start our journey with the charity and raise as much money as possible. Please please donate as much as you can to help change lives forever."

 

The boxing club work with young people living in poverty and facing challenges such as involvement in gangs and crime, addiction, chaotic home lives, complex mental health issues, trauma and abuse and difficulty in school.

 

Empire Fighting Chance delivers personal mentoring or therapeutic sessions to young people on a 1-to-1 basis, enabling them to grow in confidence, reduce their involvement in crime, improve their access to education and employment and enhance their wellbeing.

In 2020, the club helped 4822 young people. 87% reported that they felt more confident, 79% felt more motivated, 68% no longer participate in anti-social or criminal acts and 83% improved their self-esteem.

 

Willie J Healy said in a statement: "I’m so proud to be involved with the Empire Fighting Chance charity, boxing was and is something that changed my life in so many positive ways. To have the opportunity to introduce young people who may not have felt the love, support & self-worth that a community like Empire Fighting Chance has to offer is huge!

 

"I made lifelong friends and learnt so much about myself through boxing, it’s very important to me that we facilitate other young people have that opportunity too. Thank you for your support!"

 

Watch out for details of the route if you want to head out and cheer them on. Click here to make a donation and here to visit Empire Fighting Chance's website.


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Article by:

George Boyle

 

 

George is a journalism graduate and writer passionate about music and culture. Get in touch via email at george@365bristol.com