Richard Lappage will step into the ring for Well Wishers’ boxing show insisting he’ll be one the saying ‘I’m Still Standing’ afterwards – as he was once part of Elton John’s security team.
A highlight of the career of the 27-year-old Security Officer at Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust was being part of the team forming a Yellow Brick Road for the pop superstar at a concert in Bath in 2015.
Tipton-based Richard explained: “I was part of what they call the quick response team as part of crowd control and I got really close to him. I met him and spoke to him as we escorted him out of the venue.
“People were jostling and trying to get things signed and we had to stand in a line to stop them getting to him, then his manager escorted him to his car. I chatted briefly to him and he was fine.
“I kept a ticket as a souvenir and have it in a memory book but apart from that, I just saw it as part of the day job – I got used to being with celebrities. Before that I used to be a doorman at nightclubs in Walsall, Stafford and Birmingham.”
Richard is matched with Adam Dibble, Student Nurse and Healthcare Assistant in the Emergency Department, and revealed he won’t be making any ‘Sacrifice’ in his preparations.
“I met him briefly and when he asked if I’d been training, I said ‘I don’t need to train!’” said Richard. “I used to do martial arts and I’m used to receiving a bit of stick in my day job, so I’ll take it all in my stride.”
Richard lost in last year’s Well Wishers show, but it was “close” was his verdict.
“We didn’t really go at it because we’re mates, but this time I don’t know him so well, so we’ll see how it goes.
“The main thing is it’s raising money for a good cause, our patients, so that’s why I’m doing it and I’m sure everyone will have a fun night.”
This year’s proceeds will go to Walsall Healthcare’s Paediatric Assessment Unit and Children’s Emergency Department to make the area look less clinical, as well as making the breaking news/family room a more peaceful setting. Toys will also be bought for bays and waiting areas.
The doors open at Rushall Labour Club at 7pm and the first bout is at 8.15pm.