CAMPAIGNERS hoping to pay for a statue in honour of a Newport boxing hero have collected nearly £1,000 in January and hope a city centre race night this Friday will continue the success of fundraising so far this year.

The drive is looking to raise money 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.

Revellers at the Victoria Inn in Nash raised £300 with a New Year’s Eve party and £400 with a bucket collection, while the Cross Keys pub in Newport raised £70. The Hereford Arms gathered £120 and £50 was collected at the Rodney Parade bar.

Fundraising committee member and nephew of David, Luke Pearce, said the figures were “fantastic news” for the appeal. “It’s great that so many Newport people are putting their hands in their pockets to help create this tribute to David.

“Myself and the whole committee just want to thank everyone for their efforts.”

The race night, to be held at the Cross Keys pub in Newport on Friday will see eight virtual horse races held from 8pm with prizes to be won at each race.

Luke is hopeful that the night will attract more supporters for the campaign. “We’ve got some great prizes like an overnight stay in the Celtic Guest House in Llanmartin, two match tickets to watch Newport County and coach trip to an away game, a meal for two at the Old Barn Inn in Llanmartin and a voucher from Newport butchers Turners’.”

The appeal has now raised £6,000 and is half-way to its first-stage target of £12,000. . Fundraisers will have to find a total of £35,000 to pay for the statue.

You can support the campaign by giving online by going to the crowdfunding website justgiving.com/crowdfunding/david-pearce

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