SOME 20 lads from Oldham are hoping to pack a punch on Easter Sunday when it comes to fundraising for Dr Kershaw’s Hospice at a boxing tournament that will see them take to the ring for patient care.

Easter Sunday will see the Greaves Boxing Gym in Hollinwood open its doors to the public and stage 10 bouts between buddies who for months have been training together under the expert guidance of boxing coach Marvin Greaves and his expert team.

“We’ve been knocking the idea around for a while to be honest but Marvin has helped make the dream a reality” said Rian Carter-Dean, one of the fearless 20 getting involved.

“Once we decided what we wanted to do, people just kept adding their names to the fighting programme.”

All the lads have been training hard in preparation for the tournament, which takes place between noon and 5pm.

Rian added: “The idea is that we achieve something for ourselves at the same time as raising money for a local charity and with Dr Kershaw’s helping people in the community whatever their circumstance, it was the ideal choice.”

The group is raising money for the Hospice through ticket sales, sponsorship and fundraising on the day including raffles and an auction of signed memorabilia, having already reached their original £2,000 target.

Of their fierce fundraising, Dr Kershaw’s community fundraiser, Lillie Winterbottom, said “This team’s enthusiasm for fundraising and fitness is inspiring.

"They’ve created a real feeling of community spirit, which works hand in hand or should I say glove in glove, with the ethos of Marvin Greaves gym.

"These guys are the community of the future and it’s heart-warming to know that the future of fundraising for patient care is in such safe hands.”

There are still a tickets left for Sunday’s boxing extravaganza and they can be bought on the door - adults for £10, under 15s £5 and under fives are admitted free.