Police officers take it on the chin for charity

All but one of the team, comprising 17 officers and a detention officer, have never boxed before but spent months in training before donning gloves for a series of bouts at an undisclosed West Hull gym.

They took part in the challenge to raise money for charities which provide help and support to serving officers, their families and friends.

Beneficiaries will include Riverside Special School in Goole, the Micro and Anophthalmic Children’s Society, Cerebra, The Echoes Foundation and Alastair Smith’s Sensory Garden.

The funds will be distributed by The Life Less Ordinary Foundation, which was set up by three fathers who have children with special needs.

The group, which now has 30 members, allows fathers a chance to share experiences, discuss difficulties and to help each other through traumatic situations which come from being the parent of a special needs child.

Co-founder Gavin Waugh said: “These charities do wonderful things for families with children with special needs, be it a shoulder to cry on, help with completing forms or simply just putting people in touch with others in a similar position.

“We want to raise enough money to really make a difference to these charities, so we’re looking for as much support as possible from local people.”

Sgt Paul Gladstone, who played a key part in organising the event, said: “We decided to arrange a boxing match because it’s an event which lots of people can get involved with in one way or another, and it is an unusual way of raising cash. When we asked our colleagues to participate they were more than happy to get involved and give up their spare time to train hard and fight for good causes.”

The school plans to extend its agility trail and build a climbing frame.