Lympstone Amateur Boxing Club legend shortlisted for South West Regional BBC Unsung Hero Award

Neil Parsons, Club Secretary of sported. Member Lympstone Amateur Boxing Club, has been shortlisted for South West Regional BBC Unsung Hero Award. Neil was nominated by sported. in recognition of all his hard work to help change young peoples lives through sport. If Neil wins the regional award, he will be forwarded to the final of National BBC Unsung Hero award, that will be presented at the BBS Sports Personality of the Year awards.

Neil founded Lympstone Amateur Boxing Club in 1968. He set the club up to help local young people access sport, and provide them with direction for life. For 44 years Neil has volunteered at the club, holding positions including Chairperson, Treasurer, Coach, Competition Organiser and Fund Raiser. Neil is currently the club's Secretary and commits over 25 hours a week to club activities. Neil works closely with the local educational establishments to ensure young people with behavioural challenges are signposted to the club, to help them learn to control their emotions. He also works with the police and fire service to support young people who are at risk of becoming involved in criminal activity.

Neil has supported over 2000 young people over the past 44 years, providing guidance to help them develop into responsible adults. Alex Kesall-Spurr, who was a member of the club for 9 years, commented: "Neil taught me how to control my anger and seek passive solutions to conflict. These values have stood strong throughout my life".

Neil recently successfully fundraised over £66,000 to extend the boxing gym to enable the club to engage with more young people, and help to change their lives through sport.