A PROFESSIONAL BOXER WITH A HEART THAT GROWS STRONGER…

BOXATHON WITH INGRAM BOXFIT

Interviewing Andy Ingram, Ingram Boxing, and Melissa De Vos, Treetops Lottery Manager, Treetops Hospice Care

I spoke in depth to Andy Ingram; professional boxer, who runs both Ingram Boxing and BOXFIT classes, at Intrim Power (29 Beaconsfield Street), owned by Marcus and Debbie Mellors, in Long Eaton, Nottingham.  Definitely a man with presence; humble and distinctive, with a soulful insight into the world of fundraising for charity; personally driven, and professional boxing.  Andy has 21 years’ experience in boxing, having started very young.  He reached 16^th in the world heavyweight rankings, when David Haye was No. 1, and as a cruiserweight, reached 8^th in the world rankings, beating British Champion; Shane McPhilbin.

Andy Ingram is a 35 year old professional boxer.  Born in Birmingham on the 4^th of December, 1980, he spent 23 years on the Bromford Estate, with his mum; Wendy Ingram, and dad; Andrew Francis.  “I needed to control my aggression as it was spiralling out of control,” he reflects. “I was angry, very very angry.  My dad; Andrew Francis, died at the age of 31, when I was 9 years old.  My mum; Wendy Ingram, died at the age of 36, when I was 20.  I started boxing.”

“I have always raised funds for charity, any charitable cause, but particularly cancer, as it’s close to my heart.”, he explains.  “I raised money through fighting.  I would dress happily in pink,” he laughs.  “Every penny I raised I donated to the cause, as every penny should.”

He spoke with heartfelt sincerity and a depth of sadness, when speaking of his mum.  Grief was imminent.  Wendy Ingram died at Heartland’s Hospital in Birmingham, aged 36. One of the many memories that he holds close to his heart, is of visiting his mum, and more than not, whilst she was in isolation.  “Often, mum would be in isolation and we would have to look at each other through the glass.  Mum would touch the glass with the palm of her hand,” he explains sadly.  “I would touch the other side, with mine.”

“When dad passed away, it was difficult,” he explains.  “We got through it, my mum and I.  We were inseparable.  We were tight knit.  When mum passed away, I bottled it up inside and became very very angry.” He concludes, “I’ve done bad things in my life, but I’m here to make it right. Only God can judge me.  Amen.”

Melissa De Vos, Treetops Hospice Manager, Treetops Hospice Care, visited the gym to meet Andy and to show her support of his fundraising efforts.  Andy referred to one of the many free services that Treetops Hospice provides; counselling and emotional support.  “It’s difficult when someone you loves dies.  It’s also really difficult for those they leave behind.  We have to live with the pain every day,” he muses. “It’s what you need.  If I had access to your free services, particularly this service, perhaps I may have taken a different path in life. What you’re doing is good, so good.” I explained to Andy that 70% of the cost is covered by fund raising, and 30% is government funded.

Andy’s OK. A 6-foot-something man, with an inked physique. Not an ounce of fat on him.  He’s intense.  He has presence.  I can see why they nicknamed him “The Assassin”.  His life experience, family, and acquired knowledge,has shaped him to be the good person he is today.  "Remember, I spend my life in the gym,” he laughs.  “I’m a husband, a dad.  I’m also an athlete, and a boxing trainer.  I will help anyone.  I can do anything.”  I believe he can.  “I need to stay in good shape,” he explains vehemently.  “I need to stay in top condition; good health.  For my kids, my family, my work.  I plan to be around for a great number of years yet.  I also plan to stay this fit.”  I believe he will.

Ian White, who has been boxing with Andy for nine months emphatically states that the sessions with Andrew are very intense and he will always push you to get what you need to achieve.  “I got into boxing after I suffered a knee injury, and was no longer able to train in MMA or wrestling,” he explains.  “I train with Andrew twice a week, and I also do my own training on top of that.”  When I asked him about the upcoming BOXATHON WITH INGRAM BOXFIT five hour event, it transpires that Ian will be there, for the full five hours. “I don’t so much have a direction connection with the Treetops Hospice Care, but I have lost close ones to cancer. If helping to raise funds helps others, than I am willing to do what I can, and above,” he concludes.  Nice one Ian!  Thumbs up from Mel!  I’ll see you there!

We left Intrim Power humble, and with a hunger to train.  In fact, Mel's there next Tuesday night, 8pm to 9pm, for a BOXFIT session, with the infamous Andy Ingram that so many people are raving about.  Mel has also put her name down for the BOXATHON WITH INGRAM BOXFIT five hour event, held on Sunday, 17^th July. From 8am until 1pm.  We may not be able to do the whole five hours, but we’ll give it a damn good go!

So show your support.  Sign up for what you can do.  Inbox Andy at facebook.com/ingramboxing.  Email Andy at ingramassassin@gmail.com.  Or if you’d just like to donate?!  Donate a penny, a pound?!  Donate at justgiving.com/boxfitboxathon.  Let’s get behind the good that Andy’s doing.

Intrim Power is run by Marcus and Debbie Mellors. Marcus has 30 years of experience in the body-building industry and has competed at a high level, helping bodybuilders prep and compete for shows. Marcus is in  he process of organising the qualifier for the world bodybuilding finals in Rome, Italy. The gym itself is a small gym, but very community and family orientated.  Members are longstanding and some have been with the gym since it first opened in the seventies. Debbie enjoys keeping fit and you will find her participating in practically all of the classes offered down there.

Andy lives with his beautiful wife and family in the East Midlands.  He can be found training at most of the local gyms, with pals of equally good physiques!!  Just walk up to him and shake his hand, “The Assassin” won’t hurt you.  He’s on our side!!  Tell him, “Mel say’s hello!”  In the words of Ingram, “Only God can judge me.  Amen."