Lowestoft boxing academy supporting refugees and vulnerable people risks closure
Lacey's Boxing Academy is desperately trying to raise money to move to a new training site
Last updated 28th Oct 2024
A boxing club in Lowestoft that supports vulnerable people tells us it could be forced to close - if bosses can't find a permanent home.
Lacey's Boxing Academy previously ran in another gym, which shut its doors last December.
Now, the club has now found a potential new base, but it needs huge repairs, which are expected to cost over £40,000.
If that money can't be raised, the club could be forced to shut down.
Club founder Ben Poole tells us Lacey's Boxing Academy is a safe, supportive space for all: "We want people to feel accepted and that they have someone they can trust and rely upon...
"Everyone deserves to be able to go into a gym and not be judged...
"This is an outlet for people. If I can open the door and someone can come in and talk that's a big help."
What's happened so far?
Ben was told the club's previous home, Boston Lodge, would shut down in November.
The club was given just six weeks to find a new home.
Lacey's then moved to a local gym, registering with England Boxing.
However, on the 6th of June 2024, the club was shut down "with immediate effect", and told to vacate the premises a week later.
Since then, Ben's been looking for a permanent home, but is struggling due to costs.
He's found a location which he says looks promising, but it needs extensive repairs, which are estimated to cost over £40,000.
As a result, the club's now fundraising to gather that money.
"Safe, happy and content"
Ben told us boxing is really beneficial for his mental health, giving him "focus", and helping him feel "safe, happy and content."
He continued: "If it all went away, I wouldn't know what to do."
Explaining more about the benefits for his students, Ben told us that if someone comes from a background without any "positive role models" they can often find that in a coach, who is able to give them guidance, support and discipline.
Even if someone can't afford to pay for training sessions, he promises: "There's still a pair of gloves for you."
"It's more than just a boxing club"
One of Ben's students explained what Lacey's means to him: "It's more than just a gym, it's a community.
"If it wasn't for Ben, this place and all the boys who go here, I don't know how lots of people would cope.
"It's more than a boxing club.
"It's mental health support, therapy and social time all mixed into one."