Young boxers hike raises £17k for club minibus

The team were raising money for a new minibus for the boxing club

A group of young boxers have raised £17,000 for a new club minibus by walking 89 miles in four days.

The group, from Fort Boxing Club in Whitchurch, trekked close to Hadrian's Wall near the Scottish border.

The club said it urgently needed the new minibus to provide the boxers with training and educational opportunities - it would help them to travel across the country for various events and competitions.

"The kids did absolutely amazing I couldn't be more proud of them," said coach Dan Bailey.

"It was a challenge, and I don't think they quite actually knew what they were going to be up against."

They camped between each day - a first for some of the young people involved.

The group walked 89 miles in four days

The team's first leg was 22 miles, day two saw them walk 19 miles, while day three was their most challenging.

"We were trying to aim for 16 to 19 minute miles, so the third day was a 13-miler," said Mr Bailey.

"We managed to do the 13 miles in just under four hours."

The last day saw them on their feet for 34 miles.

"We were hiking for 15 hours, and then in the last four miles our bodies were switching off," he said.

"It just brought everyone's true characters and qualities out, and it was amazing to see such young people be able to take themselves out of their comfort zones.

"Not one of them ever said they couldn't do it and they didn't want to do it."