2022-04-26 16:26:23
A Devon man with learning disabilities has inspired his sister to take part in a boxing match to raise funds for the charity that supports him. 38-year-old Rob is in a supported living service in Devon, run by national learning disabilities charity Hft, which supports adults with learning disabilities to live the best life possible.
Rob’s sister, Amy Windsor, is stepping in to the ring for the very first time this Sunday. Amy, 41, who lives in Cheadle Hulme in South Manchester, will take part in a charity boxing match at Bowler’s Exhibition Centre in Manchester with all money raised from her supporters going to Hft.
The sold-out event, set to have over 1000 spectators, represents a huge personal challenge for wedding videographer and mother-of-three Amy, who is completely new to boxing.
This is brand new territory for me. I’ve never even seen the film Rocky!
Amy’s husband Matt signed her up to the event as a surprise Christmas present and Amy says she immediately knew she wanted to raise funds for Hft as they have been integral in her brother’s care.
Hft has helped to create a safe home for Rob. He has a supportive community, a varied timetable of activities and, most importantly, an environment where he feels he belongs. Covid and lockdowns have made our family anxious for Rob as he is vulnerable, but we have been incredibly reassured by the care that he receives at Hft, and stepping into a boxing ring is the least I can do to say thank you.
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Amy has been training twice a week for seven weeks with event organisers White Collar Fighter, who host charity boxing matches and train participants with no previous boxing experience. She also fits in her own training wherever possible.
Amy says that it’s not just her fitness levels that have improved.
Having a goal to work towards has been incredibly motivating and rewarding which has in turn been great for my mental health,” she says. “As a working parent there is very little time to spend on yourself and learning new skills is rare, so this has been a wonderful change to that norm. Knowing that I may benefit my brother and others is the icing on the cake.
Aside from her husband and children, Amy’s biggest supporter will no doubt be her brother Rob, who says,
She has been training really hard. I am pleased that she is doing it and excited for the day, it makes me very happy.
Hft’s Community Fundraising Manager, Emma MacDonald, says,
We’re delighted that Amy will take on such an awesome challenge. Amy’s efforts will make a huge difference to the lives of the amazing people with learning disabilities we support and she will be our Hft Champion forever.
To support Amy’s boxing challenge please visit: Hf Trust Limited – Collection Pot
Notes to editors
For further information please email media.enquiries@hft.org.uk
About Hft
Proudly established in 1962 by a group of visionary parents, Hft is a charity supporting more than 2,500 learning disabled adults in England and Wales. Together, we are creating a future where learning disabled people and their families can live the best life possible.
Providing personalised support. Creating solutions for living independently. Coming together to campaign for positive change. Fundraising for new opportunities and a bigger impact.
In 2033, we’ll live in a world where learning disabled people have greater choice. About where they live. The support they need and want. And how to spend their time and money.
Learning disability versus difficulty
A learning disability is different from a learning difficulty but the terms are often confused and used inter-changeably. A learning difficulty does not affect general intellect, whereas a learning disability is a life-long condition characterised by a reduced intellectual ability and struggle with everyday activities.
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For more information about Hft please visit www.hft.org.uk
