A County Durham community boxing gym hosted a special fundraiser in memory of their beloved coach.

Seconds Out Gym, in Ferryhill, was filled with energy and emotion yesterday evening (November 15) as the community came together for a special fundraiser in memory of Paul, a beloved coach who recently passed away.

Ferryhill lost a 'pillar of the community' his wife said, as he left behind a 'legacy of service, compassion, and dedication' to young people. 

He died peacefully at home on Sunday, November 3 surrounded by his loved ones.

Paul, born on November 23, 1972, took over his local leisure centre when it faced closure more than a decade ago and transformed it into the thriving 'Seconds Out Boxing Academy' gym which grew to become one of the most respected in the country. 

Paul EddyPaul Eddy (Image: contributor) The event, organized by gym coach Neve Lawson, brought young athletes and supporters together for an hour-long session of non-stop punching.

She said: "We have all really done the club and most importantly Paul, proud.

This fundraiser allowed all of our boxers to come together and do something for Paul and his legacy at the Seconds Out boxing academy.

"I was given the task of putting on a fundraiser to raise crucial funds to keep the gym running after Paul's passing and we have raised just over £2,000.

"I have no words, it's just so amazing. We all punched a total of 67,593 punches altogether.

"This boxathon was special to me as Paul coached me through my boxing and life, he helped so many people and this is our chance to show him how much he meant to us."

Participants took turns throwing punches for 30 seconds each, keeping the pace high and the spirit alive throughout the hour.

The youngsters during their 'boxathon'The youngsters during their 'boxathon' (Image: contributor) In the lead-up to the event, the gym’s young members collected sponsorships, that began while Paul was hospitalised.

Therefore the fundraiser had a deeper meaning after his passing, with everyone determined to make the evening a fitting tribute to his legacy.

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Paul's wife Nicola previously said: "Paul built that gym to make a difference.

"He would want us to keep it open, for the kids who need a place to belong.

"That’s how he would want to be remembered, so we have to do everything we can to keep it open in his memory."

The child who raised the most money won a signed Tyson Fury gloveThe child who raised the most money won a signed Tyson Fury glove (Image: contributor) The child who raised the most sponsorship money even won a signed Tyson Fury glove.

The gesture added excitement and recognition for the young athletes' dedication.