The Heart of England Community Boxing Club in Hinckley, Leicestershire, is set to name its new gym in memory of Christian Hobbs, a 17-year-old member who tragically passed away in 2017. Christian trained and competed at the club before his sudden death on Boxing Day due to an undiagnosed heart condition.
The club has recently received planning permission to construct a new headquarters next to Hinckley Cricket Club on Leicester Road. Christian’s mother, Louise Hobbs, expressed her delight at the development, stating that the club had been operating out of a derelict warehouse and was in desperate need of a permanent base.
“Christian loved boxing, and he loved that club,” Mrs. Hobbs said. “Before he died, the club was told it would be evicted from a former carpet factory, and he was very worried about its future. Getting planning permission is something positive for the club my son loved. He would be astonished to see his name above the front door. He would never have thought it would happen in a million years.”
Established in 2003 and run by former England boxing director Nick Griffin, the amateur boxing club is currently fundraising to meet the £1 million needed to build the new gym. So far, they have raised £70,000, with a portion coming from donations collected at Christian’s memorial service.
The new facility will feature three boxing rings, a canteen, changing facilities, a physiotherapy room, a classroom, and a viewing gallery. The Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) noted that the club aims to create “an outstanding community facility for the population of Hinckley and beyond.”
The club continues its efforts to raise the remaining funds and bring to life a gym that will not only serve the community but also honour the memory of a beloved member.