Kids' boxing club appeals for help after blaze destroys equipment

A junior boxing club is appealing for help after a suspected arson attack destroyed the club's ring along with the gloves, boots and other kit.

- by Neil Fatkin

The Redhouse Boys and Girls' Club was established by Kerry and Frank Bagley in April, after being offered the opportunity to lease the Redhouse Workmen's Club on Rawmarsh Road.

However, in the early hours of Thursday, August 28, a fire broke out at the site which has caused thousands of pounds worth of damage to the facilities and kit used by the club.

Frustratingly for Kerry and Frank, they had only just finished renovating the site ready to welcome back more than 100 children and their families.

Kerry said: "We were proud to be back in Sunderland. Frank, the head coach, myself and other trustees, the youth committee and young members and their families and some locals in the community worked long days to empty the club and renovate the upstairs to be ready for the boxing season starting in September.

"We had further plans to develop a community cafe and space downstairs for table tennis and pool and other youth activities.

"After 12 hours scraping walls and repairing the floor, myself and Frank celebrated our progress, covered in dust looking like we had left the pit-but we were so happy.

"Unaware of what was about to happen we left at 9pm. We had not long gone to sleep when we got a phone call at 3am to say the club was on fire.