A care home resident has made an emotional return to the boxing gym in Newport which he helped build.
Gerald Waters, a former amateur boxer and long-standing member of Alway Amateur Boxing Club who now lives in a care home in Malvern, knew exactly where he would most like to visit again when asked - the gym.
Alway ABC is more than a sports facility to Gerald — it’s part of his life’s story.
Fifteen years ago, he worked alongside close friend Samuel, known to many as Carl, to open the club which they hoped would give young people a safe place to train, stay off the streets, and channel their energy positively.
Gerald went on to train there and made history as the oldest man to fight a white-collar boxing match in Newport at the age of 70.
Staff at Blossom House, where he now lives, organised the special trip back to Newport.
When he got to the gym he met the current generation of boxers, including two number-one Welsh champions, who were eager to hear about his days in the ring and there was even a cheeky promise from Gerald that he might return to boxing when he turns 100.
The respect and affection from the gym community was clear, with those present calling him “a true gentleman”, “a stand-up guy”, and “a legend loved by everyone in Newport”.
Gerald said: “It was the best day ever — to see everyone again, to see how far the gym has come, and to feel so proud.”
Blossom House manager Tania Edwards said: “Just because someone is in a care home doesn’t mean their story is over. We want our residents to keep living life to the fullest, and Gerald’s trip shows exactly what that means.”
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