CAMPAIGNERS hope a fundraising concert will give a big boost to the campaign to erect a statue in honour of a Newport boxing hero David Pearce.

The show at the Newport Neon on Clarence Place (formerly the Odeon cinema) will feature Newport favourites ska band 2 Rude and Big Mac’s Wholly Soul Band.

Supporters will also have the chance to win a Wales football shirt signed by Gareth Bale and a signed Newport County GLC shirt. A painting of the champion Newport boxer will also be up for grabs.

The fundraising drive is looking to raise £35,000 to pay for the memorial to David ‘Bomber’ Pearce who was British and Welsh Heavyweight Champion in the 1980s and one the most successful boxers to come out of Newport.

Nephew of David and member of the campaign committee Luke Pearce says the night is an important one for the campaign. “It has the potential to help us realise our dream in remembering one of Wales’ greatest fighters.

“People can help us do this by coming to the Neon and having a wonderful evening and the great thing is they’ll be helping to make a memorial to this Newport hero.”

Around £7,000 has already been raised by collections in pubs across Newport, with special events at the Cross Keys in the city centre and the Victoria in Nash. Funds were also raised in the recent Newport Half-Marathon.

The event starts at 8pm on Saturday April 1 and tickets cost £15.

Tickets for the concert at Newport Neon can be purchased here http://bit.ly/2lvgdNV

You can support the campaign now by going to the justgiving page http://bit.ly/2lLJmXX

Cheques payable to ‘The David Bomber statue fund’ can be sent to: Cwm Cottage, Cwm Lane, Rogerstone, Newport NP10 9GQ