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Blue lights boxing match raises over £10K

OFFICERS from South Yorkshire Police and firefighters from South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue have battled it out in the ring to raise money for Hallam FM’s Cash for Kids charity.

Eleven police officers and 11 firefighters went head to head in the charity-boxing match on Friday May 17 at the Niagara Conference and Leisure Centre in Hillsborough.

Hallam FM’s Cash for Kids is a local charity that helps disadvantaged and disabled children across South Yorkshire and Bassetlaw. Funding and grants are provided to community projects that support children who are suffering from poverty, abuse, neglect or a short life expectancy.

Sergeant Ben Hall from the Burngreave Neighbourhood Policing Team in Sheffield organised the event with police driver trainer Steve Dakin and PC Darren Mckenna. Sgt Hall also provided weekly training to the officers taking part at the Ecclesfield Gym.

Ten of the 11 officers had no previous fighting or boxing experience and have trained every week since January- this was all completed in the officer’s personal time.

Fighting in the ‘blue corner’ for SYP were PC Dan Fox, PC Dan Sawka, PC Nicole Palmowski, PC Josh Metcalfe, PC Alex Kirby, Sgt Jon Reville, PC Paula Sales, PC Alan Jepson, PC Jess Pearce and Chief Inspectors Stuart Walne and Paul Ferguson.

Sgt Hall said: “I am extremely proud of all of the officers who took part, they all dedicated their personal time to train and learn the skills required for the competition.

“The idea for the match started at my local boxing club where I train. I was talking to a firefighter who trains there too and we thought it would be a good idea along with an opportunity to raise some money for a good cause. We didn’t think we would raise this much, it’s amazing.”

Alongside ticket sales, money was also raised through a raffle and the auctioning of signed merchandise, including boxing gloves and paintings.

The final results were five wins to the fire service, four wins to the Police and two draws.

South Yorkshire Police would like to congratulate all those involved, thank Sgt Hall, PC McKenna and Steve Dakin for their commitment in making this night a success and for all colleagues, family and friends who supported them.

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