Garth Taylor to fight for cancer children
WBE has come up with a fantastic way for these fighters to experience the thrill of taking part in real boxing matches
While most people know Garth Taylor for his chart-topping radio hits, few know he is an avid fitness fanatic and that kickboxing is his second passion.
Garth won the SA Amateur Kickboxing Championships in the lightweight category in 2014.
In an effort to raise funds for the Little Fighters Cancer Trust (LFCT) during Childhood Cancer Awareness month, Garth returns to the ring at the White Collar Boxing 19 event at Scarlet Ribbon, in Modderfontein on September 15.
“I lost my sister to cancer. Having watched what she went through as an adult fighting this disease, I can only imagine how much worse it is for children to be fighting this battle,” comments Garth. “I figured, how bad could it be? Me stepping into the ring and getting punched around for kids who are fighting for their lives every single day.
“I hope that the general public and companies will pledge towards this campaign and that we can raise funds and help make a difference. Cancer is a bully, and I will be fighting with everything I have for this cause,” he adds.
LFCT offers individualised and practical support to children fighting cancer, and to their families, across South Africa.
LFCT is a registered NPO. It receives no government funding nor any international grants and is 100 per cent dependent on public funding and corporate sponsorships. The organisation currently services over 100 individual families nationwide and when hospital projects are implemented, sometimes up to 2000 children with cancer is reached with every project.
“We are so pleased that Garth has decided to get into the ring again this year for our cause. He has been a great supporter of the work we do and this fight could not be timelier, with Childhood Cancer Awareness Month taking place in September.
“We are overwhelmed by requests for assistance to children and families, from oncologists, social workers, teachers and parents.
“Many childhood cancer families are ripped apart completely, emotionally and financially and in many cases, just food on the table has become a luxury. We urge people to donate – this will make a huge difference in our service delivery,” says Mandie Erasmus, project manager at LFCT.
Pledges and donations to the cause will be administered via the online fund-raising platform, Backabuddy (www.backabuddy.co.za).
A R20 donation can also be made by SMSing the word STRONGER to 40770.
On the appeal of this sport, president of World Boxing Entertainment Stephen Castle comments: “There are many people out there – men, and yes, even women – who enjoy the challenge of facing an opponent in the ring, but can only take part in the sport after work and on weekends.
“WBE has come up with a fantastic way for these fighters to experience the thrill of taking part in real boxing matches.
“And the fact that each fight night has a full fight card and a packed audience shows just how popular these events are.”
White Collar Boxing 19 will take place at Scarlet Ribbon Exclusive Function Venue, Shop 61, Stoneridge Centre, Stoneridge Drive, Modderfontein. The evening promises to be an adrenaline-packed showcase of boxing talent, with eight fights taking place through the night. Tickets cost R100 and can be purchased at the door or through Stephen on 082 496 9308.
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