Ferryhill community 'legend' Paul Eddy dies aged 51

Ferryhill has lost a 'pillar of the community' with the passing of Paul Eddy, his wife said, and an '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. 

His doting wife, Nicola Eddy, said her husband was "larger than life" and dedicated to making a difference. 

She added: "Paul was lively and loud and our house is such a quiet place without him, we just miss him so much already.

"Paul always went the extra mile, he had a way of making people feel like they were part of something bigger and that they mattered.

"He never turned a soul away from his club and he will just be a massive miss to everyone."

Paul and his family with his wife, Nicola Eddy on the right (Image: contributor)

She said the amount of support since his passing has been overwhelming.

She said: “It speaks volumes about the impact Paul had, we’re grateful to see how deeply he was loved and respected.”

England Boxing is preparing a memorial in Eddy’s honour, and clubs across the country have paid tribute to him with a moment of silence and a traditional 10-bell salute.

Paul Eddy (right) with Zoe McGill (middle) on their knife safety campaign (Image: contributor)

His family intend to keep his legacy alive by keeping the gym running, as he did despite his own health struggles, and continuing his mission to support and guide young people

Nicola 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."

Nicola has countless stories of young people who credited Paul with changing—and even saving—their lives.

Paul Eddy at his boxing gym 'Seconds Out Boxing Academy' (Image: contributor)

She recalled one young man who had struggled with obesity and depression before joining the club. Under Eddy’s mentorship, he transformed his life, finding new confidence and eventually becoming a father to twins. Nicola said: “Paul’s influence didn’t just change his life, it saved it.”

Among those giving their condolences to his family, one mum said: "Paul and the boxing club helped my son out of a dark place and put him back on the right track. 

"Paul was a true hero of the community, I feel it's a massive loss."

Away from coaching he worked with local schools and community groups, giving lessons in Maths and English, helping them stay on course academically.

Three of Paul's children L-R, Danya, Denver, Regan (Image: contributor)

Eddy also spearheaded community initiatives tackling knife crime, launching the “Put Down Your Knife, Save a Life” campaign, working with local advocate Zoey McGill, whose son was fatally stabbed.

He was also a budding artist, contributing his work to charity causes with painted portraits of iconic boxing figures, including Manny Pacquiao and Mike Tyson. 

Read More:

• Jack Woodley Murder: Ferryhill Boxing Club calls for knife crime action

• Ferryhill boxing academy secures £10,100 grant

• North-East boxer wins national title at Ferryhill youth boxing competition

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Paul Eddy’s funeral will be held at St. Paul’s Church in Spennymoor on November 18, followed by a private committal and a celebration of life at the Tudhoe Victory Club.

He is survived by his wife Nicola and their four children: Regan, 25; Danya, 14; Denver, 11 and stepson Niall, 28.

A GoFundMe has been set up in his name to help the family with funeral costs to give Paul the funeral he deserves.