Delight after Radcliffe Elite ABC moves into new gym

Ady Lewis has been putting fighters through their paces at Radcliffe Elite ABC for 20 years.

He said moving to the new gym at Victoria Works on Sion Street has proved to be a hit.

The England boxing accredited club appealed for help finding a new gym after Ady, from Radcliffe, said their last space was "no longer safe for children".

He said: "It's brilliant and it is our gym now so we aren't having to answer to anyone, it's the first time in over 20 years that we have had our own place." 

In October, the 47-year-old said that the rent at the club's former base on Wolsey Street "was just going up all the time" and the club and its members couldn't afford the extra costs. 

Read more: Former boxing champion’s plea for help with Radcliffe club

After seeking help to make sure the club stayed active, sponsors, donors and parents all joined together to help find a new venue. 

Radcliffe Elite ABC members at the new venue (Image: Public)

He said: "They have all helped us and the electricians and people doing work in the gym charged us next to nothing. 

Radcliffe Elite ABC members at the new venue (Image: Public)

"We've done a lot off our own back too but it's brilliant to see it now.

"I just want to say a big thank you to everyone and the main point is that things are finally on their way up!"

Ady held British and Commonwealth flyweight titles in 1997 and went on to win British and Commonwealth bantamweight titles in 2000.

Radcliffe Elite ABC members at the new venue (Image: Public)

He now helps to run Radcliffe Elite ABC, welcoming children, adults and elderly people through the doors to help them exercise or train. 

Denzil Lewis, who also helps run the club, said: "Our first classes started last week and were a great success.

Radcliffe Elite ABC members at Radcliffe Market (Image: Newsquest)

"It has taken a great effort from numerous people but we are now up and running.

"We are thankful for the help of sponsors Marcus Jeffries, Stuart Davenport of MKM, Chris Hindle of CH Motor Bodies and Dave Calvert of Colour Rendering and all who spent many hours getting the gym ready."

There are currently four England boxing official qualified level 1 and 2 coaches at the club, including Ady.

Coach Liz Norris is British Boxing Board of Control accredited and Ady added that several other volunteer coaches have decades of boxing experience.

The group also works with Greater Manchester Police and the council to support young people at risk of offending, aiming to reduce crime and promote safety and cohesion.

Classes at the new club take place on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. 

Radcliffe Elite ABC members at the new venue (Image: Public)