Ex-boxer known as “The Vanilla Gorilla” has raised over £2,000 for Sheffield City Boxing Club 

Callum Beardow, who won all five of his professional fights, will take on the Oulton Marathon on November 24 to help “soften the blow” after the clubs plans to host an event were crushed by the venue’s landlord, forcing them to find another at a much higher cost.

Mr Beardow said: “We could probably get this cash from charging more, but we want a safe space that people from all backgrounds and social classes can afford. 

“It’s a voluntary run gym, so coaches don’t get paid. The donations pay for new equipment and help us stay adrift.”

The club charges just £2.50 for a session, which includes tailored activities and feedback based on ability, making them one of the cheapest gyms in the country. 

Mr Beardow said: “Sometimes we have parents with multiple kids wanting to come along but they can’t afford it. We usually let them off with just paying for one of the kids. As long as they’re coming to the gym, we’re happy. We never turn people down.”

The gym, which has been open since 2011, takes on all types of kids and uses boxing as a tool to teach life and social skills. 

Mr Beardow said: “We have bad kids who come to the gym. At the start they may not even say hello or tell you their name. After a couple of weeks, they tell you their name or give you a handshake. Before you know it, they’re telling you how their day went and what they did at school. You see them develop as a young person. 

“Religion, experience and gender get left at the door here. Everyone’s equal. Whether you’re overweight, a fit youngster, or have a disability everyone is treated the same. We have a kid who is completely blind. If he’s had a fun time for half an hour our job is done.” 

Mr Beardow himself started off as an “overweight kid with no confidence” when he stepped inside Sheffield City Boxing Gym for the first time. 

He went from a first- timer to an amateur boxer, then became Yorkshire Regional Champion and was eventually the number two Cruiserweight in the country before becoming professional and having a six-year career. 

He said: “What I’ve found after being involved with this club both as a boxer and now as a trainer is that if anyone has had a bad day, I guarantee they feel better walking out after an hour’s session.”

Callum Beardow will run the Oulton Marathon next Sunday, which he is aiming to do in under four hours. 

To donate go to Fundraiser by Callum Beardow : Sheffield City Boxing Club