He may have hung up his boxing gloves but Well Wishers charity patron Martin Gethin isn’t taking it easy with a 52.4mile challenge on the horizon to raise money for Walsall mums who need extra support.

Martin, former British Lightweight Champion and IBF Super Lightweight Champion, will team up with his brother Steven to take on the Heineken Race To The Tower event in the Costwolds on 8 June.  The 35-year-old’s aim is to complete 15 miles at a time before taking a break.

The Walsall boxing star took part in the London Marathon back in 2010 and while this event is twice that distance he’s hoping that he and Steven will spur each other on.

The father-of-two is raising money for Baby Aid. This is a joint appeal between Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust’s charity Well Wishers and the Wren – Women requiring extra nurturing – team. The Wren team of community midwives helps women who need extra support due to a number of issues including mental ill health, domestic violence, addiction and financial difficulties. It also supports teenage mums-to-be.

Martin said: “Family is so important to me and I can’t imagine what it must be like to be in need and have no-one who can help which is the case for some of the women that the Wren team sees.

“I’ve been told that some women who come into Walsall Manor Hospital to give birth have come out of domestic violence situations or are trying to get their lives back on track due to mental health or addiction issues and Baby Aid provides items such as baby clothes, cot sheets and changing mats for these women.  It’s a great appeal and I hope people will support our challenge.”

Georgie Westley, Fundraising Manager, added: “Martin and his family are extremely supportive of Well Wishers and I’m sure his determination will get him through this fundraiser. Good luck!”

Donations can be made via https://www.gofundme.com/running-524-miles-2-marathons-for-well-wishers?utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=customer&utm_campaign=p_na+share-sheet&rcid=20faeea6e4894715a5415d17b1cc513b