Promoter defends decision
to bring Tyson to Britain
by Gary Skentelbery
A WARRINGTON based sports promoter has defended his decision to bring former world heavyweight boxer Mike Tyson to Manchester as part of his first every UK dinner tour.
The disgraced champion who was convicted of rape and biting an opponent’s ear ear off during a title fight, is set to appear alongside fellow champion Frank Bruno at Manchester’s Old Trafford stadium on Saturday November 19.
The event, which is part of a three date tour, also taking in Birmingham and London, is expected to earn Tyson around ?60,000.
Warrington based sports promotor Ray Fisher, from Fisher Promotions, has come under fire from women’s pressure groups for bringing a convicted rapist into the country.
But Ray defended the decision saying the tour was going to help raise money for charities and community groups.
He said: “We don’t condone Tyson’s behaviour in the past. This event is about Tyson the boxer, not Tyson the man.
“He has just completed a highly successful tour of Europe where he has been received as a boxing hero. He was well behaved throughout the tour. In fact it was impeccable.
“He has apologised for his bad behaviour in the ring and has always protested his innocence over the rape conviction.
“While he is in Manchester he will be visiting local community groups and there will be an auction at the dinner which will help raise money for local charities.”
Ray added that Bruno would be attending the event to “pay tribute” to Tyson, who was one of the biggest names in the world when it comes to boxing.
Tickets for the dinner cost ?1,300 plus VAT for a table of 10 with a special gold package for ?2,000 plus VAT including a champagne reception with Tyson.
Brave Andrew kicks
off charity dinner
by Gary Skentelbery
A SIX-year-old boy who was left fighting for his life after being struck down by a rare syndrome which left 95 per cent of his body badly blistered has helped kick off a fund-raising campaign for a childrens charity.
Little Andrew Rogers, who was left looking like a burns victim after contracting the mystery condition, is helping raise funds for the “When you Wish Upon a Star” charity as a thank you for special gifts he received in recognition of his bravery.
Thanks to the charity he was able to meet his Manchester United heroes at their Carrington training ground and also received a PlayStation 2 and package of games as he battled to overcome the very rare “Stevens Johnson’s Syndrome,” which is a severe reaction to medication, a bacteria or a virus.
Andrew’s parents Jacquie and Colin from Glazebrook, Warrington, believe he suffered the reaction after taking medication to relieve the symptoms of a virus, although the exact cause is still a mystery. But Andrew bravely battled back from the condition and although he still receives regular hospital check ups, appears to be a picture of health.
“Its remarkable how he battled through the condition,” said Jacquie. “We thought we were going to lose him at one stage. To look at him now you wouldn’t believe how badly blistered he was. It was horrendous.”
The fund-raising dinner is being organised by Warrington businessman Chris Ross from J&K Ross, with the help of Granada TV presenter Paul Crone, who earlier this year ran the London Marathon for the “When You Wish upon a Star” charity which he is a patron of.
The dinner takes place at Warrington Wolves’ Halliwell Jones Stadium on Saturday November 26th. Club mascot Wolfie and player Mike Wainwright helped Andrew kick-off the appeal.
The evening will include a three course meal, live entertainment from top Abba tribute band “Abbamax” and a disco and auction. Tickets cost ?40 or ?400 for a table of 10. Tickets are available by calling 01925 645645 or emailing [email protected]
Archer John is a
world champion!
by David Skentelbery
WHEELCHAIR archer John Stubbs is a world champion in his sport – at the fourth attempt.
John, 40, from Woolston, near Warrington took the gold medal in the compound-bow men’s open class final in the International Paralympic Archery World Championships at Massa Carrara, Italy.
He was also a member of the Great Britain team which took a silver medal.
John, who has been in a wheelchair since losing one leg and becoming paralysed in the other in a road accident in 1989, was taking part in the World Championships for the fourth time.
He said: “I was absolutely thrilled to bits with these successes.” A former British champion, John went into the final as the underdog as Italy’s Alberto Simoneli had home advantage and had shot a world record score in qualifying.
But John produced three golden hits for a perfect score of 30 and a win by 106-104.
It was an emotional moment for the Warrington Wolves Archery Club member because he was using a set of arrows his father had bought for him. He receives no financial support to take part in the sport.
He said: “I knew after my last arrow that I had won – but there is an etiquette in archery that you hold back until your opponent has fired all his arrows and he had one left.
“The Italian crowd was going mad but I knew I was world champion.”
John defeated fellow countryman John Murray for the first time in his career to reach the semi-finals and then beat a Korean.
Before concentrating on archery, John, a representative for a firm manufacturing lightweight wheelchairs, represented England at wheelchair cricket.
But his new achievement is the biggest thrill of his sporting career.
Married to Julie, he has a son Michael.
Parents warned over
inconsiderate parking
by David Skentelbery
PARENTS are being reminded of the need to park considerately while dropping off or picking up their children outside the school gates.
The local Community Action Team (CAT) in the West of Warrington has sent letters to schools in Burtonwood, Callands, Old Hall, Penketh, Sankey and Winwick for head teachers to distribute to the parents and guardians of pupils.
Those who drive their children to and from school are being advised to put safety first.
A spokesman said: “The school run can be a particularly busy time with extra traffic on the roads outside schools. Inconsiderate and dangerous parking is a real hazard not only to other road users, but to all children trying to make their way into school.
“If every parent and guardian gave a moment’s thought to where they drop their children off in the morning, or where they collect them from at the end of the school day we could all help to reduce the chances of a child being seriously hurt.”
Penketh High School has a Travel Plan Group which promotes road safety to its pupils. Assistant headteacher Malcolm Ross is encouraging parents and guardians to take note of the police advice.
He said: “We recommend that parents and guardians drop their children off a little way from the school and that children then walk with a friend the remaining way to keep fit and help the environment.”
Drivers who commit offences may be prosecuted and could face a fine of up to ?1000 and penalty points on their driving licence.
The spokesman added: “We will be taking the appropriate action against drivers if they choose to ignore our advice and continue parking inconsiderately or dangerously outside schools.”
Lady golfers’
driving challenge
by staff reporter
THREE members of Lymm Golf Club raised more than ?1,000 for Marie Curie Cancer Care by taking part in a women?s ?Driving Challenge? at Stretton.
Mrs Catherine Waters, Mrs Maz Whiteley and Mrs Phil Williams drove a variety of vehicles, including a fire engine, police car, ambulance, 40-tonne truck, concrete mixer and mobile crane.
Altogether the event raised more than ?60,000 for Marie Curie.
Mrs Williams said: ?It was a wonderful event to take part in and
we were delighted to raise so much money. We would all like to thank friends and acquaintances who made it all possible through generous sponsorship.
Police spotlight falls
on local community
by staff reporter
POLICE are putting the spotlight on the Whittle Hall area of Warrington ? with another of their series of ?CAT walks?.
This weekend a group of volunteers will join local Community Action Team sergeant Chris Unsworth on a tour around the area to identify and record any vandalism, graffiti or criminal damage.
CAT Walks have already been held in Whitecross, Padgate and Stockton Heath as part of the police Safer Communities initiative, which brings together police and partner agencies with local communities to identify the problems affecting that community.
The CAT Walks are followed by a Community Action Meeting (CAM) to be held at the Whittle Hall Community Centre, Lonsdale Close on Tuesday October 18.
