A BOXING coach has gone 100 rounds in an afternoon to try and raise some cash for a good cause.

Peter Shepperson, who runs PS Boxing and Fitness Academy in Darlington, undertook the gruelling challenging in aid of the town's St Teresa's Hospice as well as to raise money for the club.

He completed 100 three minute rounds with pads, with just one minute of rest between each one.

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Speaking after completing the the challenge, which took more than .. hours, Mr Shepperson said: "I've got sore hands and I'm a bit stiff but it went well.

"There was a really good turn out. Plenty of people came down to show their support so it was quite a busy day.

"I think that made it a bit easier than it would have been if I'd been by myself in the gym.

"I didn't feel too bad during it but hands and back were getting pretty sore by the end of the day."

He had various people supporting him during the day, including former world champion Stuart Hall, who completed the final ten rounds with him.

He added: "I'd like to thank everyone who came down and gave a bit of support and everyone who donated via Just Giving."

Mr Shepperson set up the amateur boxing gym in Oxford Street about a year ago and runs sessions for both adults and youngsters, catering for those who want to compete as well as those who just want to keep fit, through one-to-one training, classes and activities like boxercise.

He said: "I started the gym about a year ago but there's been no amateur boxing in lockdown so we're just getting started. I've got the first kids boxing at an event at the weekend so we're starting to get out and about.

He initially decided to raise funds for the club to help members with their kits and travel to competition but wanted to raise cash for St Teresa's.

More than £2,000 was raised on the day and Mr Shepperson said he hoped the final tally would be in the region of £2,500, which will be divided between the club and the hospice.

The event was supported by The Mowden Pub, which provided food for those attending. There was also a cake sale, which was run by Rachel Barras. Tickets are still being sold for a raffle, which will be drawn on Saturday.

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