Boxing clever

The LTC's 49th annual boxing tournament packed a punch, raising crucial cash for the organisation

Last week saw one of the Licensed Trade Charity's (LTC) most successful fundraising events take place, their Annual Boxing Tournament sponsored by Scottish & Newcastle UK (S&NUK).

The "team talk" was brief and concise - have fun, enjoy an evening of boxing, courtesy of the rising amateur stars of the sport, and raise money for those who call on the LTC in times of need.

With more than 250 people attending the tournament at the sumptuous Café Royal in London, in excess of £15,000 was raised, including the auction and raffle, and the night was declared a real knockout. Getting the most attention at the auction was a trip donated by long-time LTC supporter, Lawrence Alexander. Lawrence very kindly offered a trip on the Solent with champagne and canapés on his 51ft motor-cruiser yacht - in fact the trip was deemed such a fantastic prize by those attending the tournament, that bidding went mad and Lawrence had to offer the trip twice to cope with the demand, raising £5,600!

A unique event

Roy Boulter from S&NUK, which has supported the occasion for many years, said; "This really is an amazing event: not only do we have the chance to raise funds for the LTC, an organisation that we are immensely proud to support, but the event is a chance for young boxers of 18 and over to show off their sporting determination at a unique event.

"The tournament is the perfect opportunity to entertain customers and illustrate, as a business, our support of the trade charity."

"The competition has proved its popularity over the last 49 years and I'm really looking forward to hosting a bumper event next year to celebrate the golden anniversary of the boxing tournament," said Ray Batty, organiser of the LTC boxing tournament and trustee of the charity. "We'll aim to break fundraising targets for next year's event and look forward to working with S&NUK to ensure that their 50th year in sponsorship is the best ever!"

For more information on fundraising events, such as the Café Royal boxing tournament, that are organised by the LTC, please contact Kelly Gibson on 01344 884440.