The occasion, organised by Paul Judge and Drew Mitchell, was no ordinary charity night. Every fighter in the ring was a non-professional – a local business owner, teacher, or healthcare worker – who committed to 12 weeks of intensive training for the chance to compete and to make a difference.
The money raised will fund a brand new electric mobile library and books, taking education directly to orphanages across Phuket Province.
Community in the ring
Head trainer Andrew Stannard – 88 amateur bouts, six-time England representative and Thailand-based for over 20 years – put all 20 fighters through their paces across three sessions a week for three months.
The lineup reflected the breadth of Phuket’s expat and local community. Urs Leo “The Lionheart” Grueter, 53, a Swiss wealth manager, threw punches alongside Robert “Bad Grandad” Hodge, founder of sustainable property developer Zero Developments. Chris “The Mersey Matador” Greene, Head of Modern Languages at the British International School Phuket, shared the card with Phanarai “Tiny Tornado” Chaichompoo, a Senior Physiotherapist at Optimise, who framed her fight as a promise: “No child’s potential should be limited by their geography.”
Laguna Phuket came in as headline sponsor and host – but Managing Director Paul Wilson went further than most sponsors do. He laced up the gloves himself and fought on the night under the alias “The Newcastle Nightmare.”
“This event shows how community, challenge and purpose can come together to make a real difference. To the fighters, organisers and volunteers – your dedication is inspiring,” Paul said afterwards.
A cause with deep roots
Children First Fund (CFF) was established to mark Laguna Phuket’s 30th anniversary, building on the resort’s longstanding commitment to community education. Its motto says it simply: “Nourishing Hearts, Inspiring Dreams.”
The fund’s mission is to give orphans across Phuket Province not just care but real opportunity – and the mobile library funded by this event will put books directly into the hands of children who need them most.
Team United
The event required extensive preparation from a committed and diligent team before and during the event. KhunPon Martial Arts provided the training venue – a recently launched, state-of-the-art gym in Cherng Talay – free of charge throughout the programme. Major sponsors HOMA, Mitchell International Wealth, Optimise, Slice, Canine Point Academy and Breathe helped make the night possible. Compere Extraordinaire Martin Carpenter hosted the six-hour event on the night without missing a beat.
“This evening was something very personal to us both,” co-organisers Paul Judge and Drew Mitchell said in a joint statement after the event. “Having stepped into the ring ourselves in Singapore and the UK, we know what it takes. But this was about giving something back to a place we call home.
“We have been humbled by the fighters’ commitment, the sponsors’ generosity and a community that came out in force. It wouldn’t have happened without them,” they added.
Both men concluded by hinting the gloves may come out again down the track. Watch this space.
About Children First Fund
Established to mark Laguna Phuket’s 30th anniversary, Children First Fund honours the resort’s history in community education by extending its reach to orphans across Phuket Province. Guided by the motto “Nourishing Hearts, Inspiring Dreams,” CFF gives Laguna guests a meaningful way to invest in the community that hosts them.
About Phuket White Collar Boxing
Phuket White Collar Boxing brings together professionals, entrepreneurs and local residents who commit to a full training programme before competing in a professionally organised event. For more information visit www.phuketboxing.com.