Hoyle Mill Police Boxing Club are back up running – and winning.
Coach Frank Lindley, 68, has revived the Pontefract Road-based club after overcoming a battle with bladder cancer. As if that was not enough, the club – based in the Bethel Chapel – had also suffered flood damage and needed a complete refurbishment. But a win for his young charge Callum Whaling, 19, at the weekend has put a smile back on Frank's face.
He said: "We have been out of action for nearly two years but have been going for 28 years. It has been a hard time. We had five feet of water in the gym then I had cancer to deal with as well but we are now back and having a go. We can only do our best and getting kids boxing again was always the plan. It's what we want to do."
Whaling, 19, from Grimethorpe, has taken an unconventional route into the sport after previously competing in motorsport. Frank said: "He is 19 but he's not manned up yet. We are working on his upper body strength. It was a good match for him and we deserved to come away with the victory."
Frank believes the club can achieve more success. He added: "We have got five registered amateurs now and loads more training. We have also got two coaches in Michael Taylor and Laura Holling who are doing a great job."
