A BOXING promoter has spoken of his excitement at the prospect of holding a big night of boxing in aid of various charities late next month.

Gary Turland, 31, who works at Grange Leisure in Stratton, is organising the sporting spectacular as a way of raising cash for charity and helping former offenders get back on their feet.

The event, which takes place at the PlayFootball arena in Bramble Road on Saturday, July 22, looks set to be a sell-out.

An excited Gary said: “Boxing is very popular in Swindon, there are always games and events popping up and I thought it would be brilliant to do something like this.

“I haven’t been involved in boxing events for a few years and I was asked if I wanted to get on board and make a bit of a comeback.

“What we have tried to do this time is take all the best elements of past shows and create one big one. And there are only about three VIP tables left, so there’s a big appetite for it – it looks set to sell out.”

Gary is passionate when explaining how boxing can be used as a positive thing for people who wish to get their lives back on track after a difficult past.

Gary himself has suffered from anxiety and depression and knows how important it is to have something to focus on.

He said: “We are working with a lot of ex-offenders to give them a fresh start. We give them some training and the chance to focus on something positive.

“I stopped getting involved with boxing when I suffered from anxiety and depression. I lost interest but have started to get back into it now.

“I’m really looking forward to it now and I just want to have a good night. Boxing is huge in Swindon and it should be one to remember.”

Tickets can still be bought, though they are in short supply, by calling the PlayFootball arena on 01793 297233.