BOXING prospects are preparing to support Cleator Moor ABC with a fundraising Great North Run effort.

Cleator Moor ABC's Martyn King, Peter Maxwell, Scott McGrady and Aaron Spencer will take on the Great North Run, with sponsorship being donated to the up-keep and developments at the gym.

Rikki Burns said that the funds are vital going into the next amateur boxing season: "It's to support the club, they've got to buy new equipment."

He said: "We're in off season at the minute, we normally have a show and the club relies on the shows to try and raise money for the club."

The Copeland based boxing team operates out of Cleator Moor Youth and Community Centre.

And in a fundraising appeal, Rikki said: "This club has kept generations of kids off the streets and has been very successful over the years, namely Martyn [King] winning the England vest.

Burns believes the boxers will do well in the Great North Run, which takes place on September 8. He said: "The lads are as fit as fiddles anyway," however, "they're putting the miles in."

The Great North Run is a 13 mile foot race setting off from Newcastle Upon Tyne, snaking through the city centre and ending in Southshields. The boxers are used to a challenge though: "Being a boxing club from around here...you're up against anything."

But it is not just about having a go for the boxers of Cleator Moor ABC: "I think they will get a good time" said Burns.

England Boxing's head of community development, Ron Tulley spoke of the importance of amateur boxing clubs: "Clubs such as Cleator Moor do such a vital job in the communities they serve.

He said: "They do so much to keep people, especially young people, active, healthy and out of trouble giving them something enjoyable to focus on and helping to instil discipline."

To support the club in their fundraising efforts, visit: https://www.facebook.com/donate/2483865118508562/2425624267656021/