In 1991, British boxer Michael Watson stepped into the ring to take on Chris Eubank for the World Middleweight title. After 12 rounds, the fight ended in tragedy when Michael lost consciousness in the ring immediately after the fight. Michael had suffered severe brain damage and was in a coma for 40 days. Even after regaining consciousness, Michael’s neurosurgeon was afraid he would never speak or walk again. He spent many years in hospital, slowly recovering some of his movements and regaining the ability to eat regular food and read and write simple notes. Despite better recovery than expected, even as late 1999, his neurosurgeon stated that Watson would probably never be able to walk again.
However, in 2003, Michael made headlines and became an instant national hero when he completed, after six days, the London Marathon, raising significant funds for the Brain and Spine Foundation. Finishing the race by his side was Chris Eubank. In 2004, Michael Watson was awarded an MBE.
The Brain and Spine Foundation was established in 1992 to provide a variety of invaluable support services to sufferers of neurological disorders and their families. Michael Watson remains closely involved with the organization’s work, as do many other high-profile sports personalities.
On 24 April 2008, Beyond Fighting, in conjunction with the Leeds University Kickboxing and Krav Maga Club, will be participating in a sponsored Box-a-Thon, at which our club members will aim to perform between 2000 and 3000 punches each in one hour in order to raise funds for this worthy cause.
Donation is easy on-line at the Beyond Fighting Just Giving webpage as follows: www.justgiving.com/beyondfighting. You can also donate through my profile on Facebook, or the Facebook Group for this event.
Michael Watson himself wanted to thank us in his own words: ‘I am thrilled that the students of the Beyond Fighting gym are not only keeping themselves fit and healthy by boxing, but are also using the sport to help raise money for the Brain and Spine Foundation. Without the help of its founder, neurosurgeon Peter Hamlyn, I would not have made the incredible progress I have done, and I am delighted that fellow boxers are supporting such a worthy cause.’
We are also fortunate enough to have the support of Frank Warren, promoter of British Champions Joe Calzaghe and Amir Khan, who also does work with the Brain and Spine Foundation. He has offered us 2 free tickets to a UK boxing event for our 2 club members who achieve the most punches between them on the day. Please help us make this event a huge success and tell everyone you know about it and beg them to give generously and support us in raising as much money as we possibly can to help adults and children suffering from neurological disorder or injury.
Thank you very, very much.
Ben Hockman
Chief Instructor
Beyond Fighting: Kickboxing, Krav Maga, Self-Protection
www.beyondfighting.co.uk
