The money was raised through an auction when one lucky person bid for, and successfully secured, the use of a Spanish villa for a week, kindly donated by Frank Ciaurro of Cema Limited, with BBC sports presenter Mike Bushell acting as auctioneeras he was the guest speaker at the event. There was also a raffle with prizes kindly donated by a variety of local businesses including Frank Key; Weavers; Mem Saab; Nakama; Revolucion de Cuba; Notts County Football Club; the Nottinghamshire and the Park Plaza Hotel.

Switch Up helps young people in Nottingham break the cycle of offending and reoffending by engaging them in positive activities, sports, mentoring and peer mentoring. The charity was founded by Marcellus Baz BEM.

Club president Ian Roberts, visited the charity recently to hand over a cheque for the amount raised. He said:

“In recent years, the club has supported a number of charities tackling various issues within our city such as homelessness and addiction. Switch Up follows this theme, helping prevent young people in difficult circumstances, avoid getting involved in crime and being radicalised by engaging them in sport through the Nottingham School of Boxing. Their work has proved hugely successful and we are delighted to support Marcellus and his team in their continued efforts to make a real difference.”

Marcellus Baz BEM, founder of Switch Up and Nottingham School of Boxing, said: “The support of the Nottingham business community is essential to our continued work mentoring around 800 young people at any one time.

“We place students in apprenticeships and full-time employment, so having the support of the city’s employers is crucial. The more people that are involved with our organisation, the more we can provide a consistent and long-term level of support and guidance to these young people, something that local authorities are struggling to provide.”