Imagine a legacy so powerful that it inspires generations to lace up their running shoes and step into the ring, both literally and metaphorically. That’s exactly what’s happening in Manchester, where the grandson of a boxing legend is trading his gloves for running shoes to honor his grandfather’s memory—and to fight for a cause close to his heart. But here’s where it gets emotional: the beloved boxing gym that bears his grandfather’s name is in desperate need of funds, and this marathon run could be its lifeline.
Dale Arrowsmith, a 31-year-old professional boxer, is set to compete in the Manchester Marathon this April, not just to test his endurance, but to raise money for the Roy Richardson Boxing Academy in Stockport. And this is the part most people miss: this isn’t just a gym; it’s a non-profit sanctuary run by volunteers, training young athletes aged 11 to 40, all while battling soaring costs and limited resources.
The gym, named after Dale’s grandfather, Roy Richardson, a Manchester boxing icon, is struggling to keep its doors open. Roy, born in Ancoats in 1933, began his boxing journey in the 1950s, fighting in carnival booths in Chorlton’s Longford Park for money. His life took him from national service with the Royal Engineers to New Zealand, where he trained young fighters, before returning to the UK and dedicating himself to coaching in Stockport. The gym was renamed in his honor in 2018, but his legacy faces a modern challenge: the rising cost of living.
Dale, who now runs the gym following Roy’s passing in 2021, explains the struggle: ‘We do it for nothing, just for the love of helping the kids. We survive on whatever the kids give us—around £3 per session—and fundraising. It’s very difficult. Equipment costs have skyrocketed.’ Inspired by his grandfather, who ran the Manchester Marathon in the 1980s at the age of 50, Dale sees this run as a fitting tribute. ‘He ran it for the club, and I thought it would be right to do the same,’ he says.
But here’s the controversial question: In an era where sports funding is often prioritized for elite athletes, should grassroots organizations like the Roy Richardson Academy be left to fend for themselves? Dale’s marathon run is more than a personal challenge; it’s a call to action. Will you join him in supporting this cause? Whether you’re a boxing enthusiast, a marathon runner, or simply someone who believes in community, this story invites you to reflect: What does it take to keep a legacy alive? And how can we ensure that places like this gym, which shape young lives, don’t disappear?
To support Dale’s fundraiser, visit his JustGiving page. And let us know in the comments: What role do you think community sports programs play in shaping the future? Is it worth fighting for?
