THE owner of a popular Highbridge boxing gym said he is ‘truly grateful’ to the community for their help after they appealed for funds to ensure they can reopen after lockdown.

Bobby Jones, co-owner of The School of Hardknox Boxing, launched an online appeal to raise £1,500 to help pay for the running costs of the gym and said he was ‘overwhelmed’ when he reached his target in less than 24 hours.

The gym owner said the coronavirus pandemic has meant it is an ‘uncertain’ time for a number of businesses including gyms so all contributions to keep them going are welcomed.

“The club has always been a hive of activity from the day we opened, however due to these strange new times we have had to temporarily close our doors,” Bobby said.

“It’s been a difficult time for myself and fellow coach Harry Payne as we are literally normally in the gym coaching our classes and one to one clients every day to now being unable to go to work and help anyone at all.

“We teach a huge range of ages and abilities from all different walks of life and feel we’ve had a really positive impact on the local community which we are really keen to get back to as soon as we are told it is safe to do so.

“We are missing our Hardknox family a lot and are feeling very lucky and overwhelmed by all the amazing support we have received so far on our just giving page.

“It gives us the chance to keep the gym up and ready for when we can reopen our doors and get back to what we love doing.”

So far Bobby’s appeal has raised £2,145 and he said part of the funding will be used to carry out maintenance work at the gym so it can reopen.

Any extra funds raised will be used to support low income families monthly subs when they reopen the gym.

“We normally use funds raised via our boxing shows to support the cost of the gym however it’s not looking like we will be able to put one on for some time,” Bobby said.

“We always do what we can to support where we can and with how the economy is at the moment everyone is being affected.

“It’s wonderful to see everyone joining together so when we are in a position to give back, we will be.

“Our members truly are incredible and are the backbone of our club.

“There really is no family like the Hardknox family.”

For more information or to donate to the appeal visit www.gofundme.com and search for Keep Hardknox punching.