Gym organises fundraiser for popular boxer who passed away last week

A popular North Wales gym is opening its doors this Saturday to raise funds for the family of one of its boxers who passed away unexpectedly last week.

Marvin Pritchard’s Martial Arts centre in Porthmadog will host an open day where money can be donated to the memory of Thomas Richards, of Waunfawr and formerly of Harlech, who died on July 31 aged just 26.

Father-of-three Thomas was a boxer who had won his debut contest in April and also enjoyed success in open mat combat at WUMA in Colwyn Bay.

Thomas fought out of MPMA in Porthmadog, where his twin brother Ant also trains. The gym has a good stable of fighters which includes national boxing champions the three Humphreys brothers, Wayne, Cafan and Ben, as well as Caernarfon’s Welsh heavyweight kickboxing title holder Alan Blacks.

Everyone at MPMA has been left devastated by the loss of Thomas and are raising money through a GoFundMe account on line, where in the region of £1,000 has been collected.

Between 9 am and 11 am on Saturday, some of Thomas’ friends will stage pad sessions and sparring demonstrations to which the public are invited and donations will be most welcome.

“We want to help Thomas’ family financially at this difficult time and to let them know that they are definitely not alone,” said Marvin Pritchard. “I would love it if all my kickboxing students could attend this.”

There is also collection bucket at MPMA until Sunday.

Thomas was the son of Olwen and Andy and fiancé of Ffiona, twin brother of Ant and his fiancè Sian, and brother of Jess. He was also dad to Caio, Cian and Noa, uncle of Joe, Tyler and Georgia, son in law of Michael and Karen and brother in law to Tomos, Emily, Chloe, Guto and Morgan.

In Thomas’ memory, a public service will take place at St Michael’s Church, Llanfihangel y Traethau, Talsarnau, on Monday, August 12, at 1pm, with a gathering at the Queens (Harlech) after who anybody who would like to join.

The following day, also at 1pm, there will be interment at Betws Garmon Community Cemetery.

The family would appreciate if colourful and casual attire could be worn at the service.

Family flowers only, but donations if desired towards The Harlech First Responders, Waunfawr Surgery and Josh Lighthouse Project in Harlech will be gratefully accepted through funeral directors Pritchard a Griffiths Cyf., Dublin Street, Tremadog – 01766 512091.