A local boxing club is raising money after its fighters were selected to represent Greater Britain in the WMP World Muay Thai Championships in Thailand.

Valley Thai Boxing, in Whitworth, is hoping to send a team of 15 junior and adult fighters to the major event in Bangkok next year, said to be the highest level of world competition for Muay Thai.

The fundraising efforts are to help financially support the team and pay for flights, equipment and training at a gym in Thailand – the motherland of Muay Thai boxing.

Garry Webster, dad of two of the young fighters, said: “We’ve had a few fighters selected to compete for Great Britain over in Thailand, some juniors and a few adults.

“Two of my kids have been selected which is great. Imogen who is 14 and Holly who’s nine. For Holly it’s her first experience like this and first major tournament, which is exciting.

He added: “It’s a great club, the coach Andy is amazing and gives it his all. He even gave up his 40th birthday weekend to take them to a fight in Birmingham.”

Coach Andy Hughes said: “We are taking a team of 15 valley Thai students to compete at the WMF World Muay Thai championships in Bangkok Thailand 2025. 

“We attended this competition this year where four of us competed bringing home one gold medal, three silver medals and one bronze medal. We hope to grow from our success this year and bring home a huge collection of medals at the 2025 competition.”

He added: “We are a small club in a small town but we have a very successful fight team that regularly compete at the big events in the UK, and deserve all the help they can get regarding sponsors and donations to help get them to Thailand to achieve their dreams.

“These guys train almost every day to reach their goals and I am very proud of the team we have and continue to bring along new students to join our ever growing fight team.”

To donate, visit the JustGiving page: www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/valleythaiwmf2025