Brierfield Martial Arts Celebrate 25 Years By Charity Fundraising Grapplethon this Saturday
Pendle Martial Arts Academy has been running in Brierfield, Lancashire for 25 years, and is celebrating this milestone on Saturday 8th June with a 12 hour Grapplethon, raising money for two important charities Lymphoma Action and Leeds Cares; both charities are linked to the club and hold personal memories for coaches and students.
Last autumn club coach Colin Drake, was shockingly diagnosed with lymphoma several months after finding a number of painful lumps in his neck. Lymphoma is the 5th biggest cancer in the UK and someone is diagnosed every 27 minutes. Lymphoma Action is the only UK Charity dedicated to fighting this disease. Colin is doing well after months of treatment and his prognosis is good.
Student Max Bridges has trained with the Academy for three years and last summer, he and his wife received the news that they were expecting twins. In November Emily went into unexpected labour and as they awaited the paramedics, Max found himself having to deliver the twins on the bathroom floor and carry out CPR on Zachary. Needing specialist neonatal care, they were transferred from the local hospital to Leeds Hospital but sadly after nearly four days, Zachary lost his fight for life. Dexter was allowed home after four weeks and continues to this day to fight and grow stronger. Leeds Cares provided valuable support, accommodation and transport assistance for the family.
NAKMAS National Chair, Joe Ellis, said: These families have been through so much in the past year, and their relationships with the instructors and other students in the Academy are wonderful to see. Clearly the Pendle Martial Arts Academy are at the heart of their community. We are proud to support their quest to raise much needed funds for both of these charities which mean so much to them.
Head Coach John Stokes said: 'We're honoured to be hosting this 12 Hour Charity Grapplethon in aid of two charities very close to our hearts, I can't think of a better way to celebrate our 25th anniversary. We're hoping to get as many Clubs from across the North-West area to attend; it’s a case turn up, make a small donation and roll for as long as you wish.'
The Grapplethon will run from 8am until 8pm at the Pendle Martial Arts Academy, Above McColls, Colne Road, Brierfield, BB9 5NS.
Donations can be made at the club or on the club’s sponsorship page: https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-display/showROFundraiserPage?userUrl=PendleMartialArtsAcademy&pageUrl=1
There will also be a raffle held on the day to help raise additional funds. For further information email Catherine: pendlemartialartsacademy@hotmail.co.uk