A BOXER is hosting free masterclass sessions next week as part of the Salvation Army’s annual Christmas children’s gift appeal.

Lewis Richardson, a 26-year-old boxer and European and Commonwealth Games medallist, will be hosting two free masterclasses for people of all ages and abilities on Friday, December 1 and Saturday, December 2. 

People are asked to donate £10 or a Christmas gift for a child aged between ten and 16, with all proceeds going to charity.

Lewis said: “For me I’ve always loved Christmas, I come up from a pretty humble background but never went without Christmas.

“It’s a nice time to give back to the community and there is nothing better than giving back to children or teenagers”.

Gazette: Support - Boxer Lewis Richardson is offering two one-hour masterclasses for free so the community be involved in their fundraising Support - Boxer Lewis Richardson is offering two one-hour masterclasses for free so the community be involved in their fundraising (Image: Salvation Army)

Lewis explained how he was thinking of doing some charity work himself, before seeing the Salvation Army’s Christmas appeal in the Gazette.

So, instead of just donating money to charity, Lewis said he wants the two hour-long sessions to bring the community together and “bring some happiness to the people attending the session”.

Lewis said if the demand was there, in the future, he would put on more masterclasses.

He said with “everything going on with the cost-of-living crisis”, now is an important time to give back. 

He added: “It’s not Colchester, it’s wider but Colchester is my hometown.”

James Webb, a mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter and is the only World Champion Champion in the South East.

James is also a friend of Lewis and runs The Combat Institute, which Lewis is a part of.

James is offering his own free MMA workshop at the Angora Business Park, on Sunday, December 10 which will be from 9.30am to 11.30am.

Gazette: Christmas - James Webb, Head Coach at The Combat Institute - will be offering a free MMA workshop for the Salvation Army's Christmas gift appeallChristmas - James Webb, Head Coach at The Combat Institute - will be offering a free MMA workshop for the Salvation Army's Christmas gift appeall (Image: The Salvation Army)

Lewis, who just won a Gold medal for England this week at the Boxham tournament in Spain, added:  “I personally believe I am a better person for doing boxing, not as an athlete, as a person.

“Boxing, and sport in general, gives you so much skills in life – effort and discipline - which can be transferred into all sorts of jobs."

For more information about Lewis and James’ workshops and Colchester Salvation Army’s Annual Christmas appeal visit here.