A BOXING club has teamed up with a vet recruitment business in a bid to buy Christmas presents for children in care.

St Joseph’s Amateur Boxing Club (ABC) Caldicot in Sudbrook, near Caldicot, and Gardner Llewelyn Group, based in Chepstow, are taking part in a 10,000 burpee challenge. Staff and gym-goers will be taking part in the squat thrusting challenge from Monday, October 16, to November 13, at the boxing gym.

They are aiming to raise £1,000 to buy children in care in Monmouthshire Christmas presents.

Martin Lewis, founder of the boxing club, came up with the idea to help disadvantaged children.

“I can remember being a kid and not receiving presents for several Christmases,” he said.

“It breaks my heart to see children not receiving presents.

“I am passionate about helping children in that position.”

Mr Lewis said he also aims to involve children and young people at the gym to take part.

Susie Gardner, director at Gardner Llewelyn Group, who also attends the ABC gym, said: “The children that we will be giving these presents to will either be receiving no presents or very little at Christmas and are very underprivileged.

“We want to give them something really special this Christmas.

“The challenge will run from October 16 to November 13.

“We aim to have all the presents bought and wrapped to give to the children’s and family team for the start of December.”

She said she has taken part in various fundraising events for charity over recent years but wanted to do something which would benefit people in Monmouthshire.

The 10,000 burpees will be undertaken over 12 sessions at the gym. Around 10 people from the gym and 10 staff from Gardner Llewelyn Group will be taking part. After completing the challenge, Christmas presents will be bought and wrapped by those taking part.

Monmouthshire council’s children and family services team has been contacted by organisers to ensure the presents reach children most in need.

Mr Lewis recently received a Citizen’s Award from Caldicot Town Council in recognition of the positive impact of the ABC gym in the area.

Since it was launched in January, it has helped hundreds of young people in the Caldicot area.

Visit justgiving.com/crowdfunding/burpeechallenge.