Trust funded project meets US First Lady
We were delighted to learn The Fighting Chance had recently welcomed US First Lady Jill Biden and Akshata Murty (wife of the Prime Minister) along to a boxing session earlier this month.
Mrs Biden and Akshata Murty were joined by Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Johnny Mercer and US ambassador to the UK Jane Hartley to find out more about the London based boxing charity and the work they do. The Fighting Chance have received funding through several our funding programmes over the years. This includes Covenant Fund programmes such as the Force for Change and Reaching and Supporting Armed Forces Communities programmes. As well as through the Sustaining Support: Supporting veterans and families impacted by the Afghanistan conflict programme.
The organisation received £35,000 to enable them to deal with the increasing demand from veterans impacted by the Afghanistan conflict who were disengaging from programmes and wider support networks. They have been able to offer mentoring, advocacy and expansion of their boxing training. One participant said: “I felt I’d ruined my life and my health for nothing, and wasted years of my life when I heard how Afghanistan fell.”
The First Lady had the opportunity to speak to some of the inspirational veterans who take part in the Fighting Chance’s boxing programmes, including former lance corporal Maurillia Simpson, a gold medallist in the Invictus Games.
Most recently, The Fighting Chance received £10,000 through our Force for Change programme for a women-only introductory programme for female veterans. Designed for beginners and all abilities, it offers an introduction to boxing training, a fun workout and a chance to meet others.
Founder of The Fighting Chance, Imran Khalil said: “It was an honour to help Johnny Mercer MP host the First Lady, Jill Biden, and Mrs Murthy at 10 Downing Street.
The Fighting Chance has come a long way and every day we try to make a difference for Veterans. We couldn’t do it without the support of the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust, and we look forward to continuing this work.”
We’re pleased to see one of our funded organisations chosen to take part in such an exciting visit!
You can find out more about the Force for Change programme, which has just opened for a new round, on our dedicated programme page.
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