An engineering company responsible for the new £15 million extension to Crewe hospital's A&E department - has funded new boxing classes for its NHS staff.

MTX, based in Wilmslow, completed a two-storey extension to the Emergency Department at Leighton Hospital in February.

The Cheshire company has now funded boxing training sessions for NHS staff, aiming to boost their confidence and fitness levels - in the wake of COVID-19.

MTX, based in Wilmslow, completed a two-storey extension to the Emergency Department at Leighton Hospital in February (Ryan Parker).

MTX Managing Director, David Hartley, told Nub News: "We work closely with the NHS and see first-hand the tremendous effort involved in caring for patients and also the huge pressures on staff. 

"We took the opportunity to work with the Maverick Stars charity to provide practical support for NHS staff."

MTX sponsored the boxing training classes through Maverick Stars - which worked with South Cheshire Amateur Boxing Club (SCABC) to invite NHS staff to take part.

The Maverick Stars Team encourages boxing clubs to engage with their communities and create greater awareness of the benefits of the sport.

Coach at SCABC, Matthew Gallimore MBE, has led the NHS classes for the last four months - working with medical staff. 

Local NHS staff and coaches at the boxing exercise classes (MTX).

Mr Gallimore said: "It has been fantastic training and has given all the medical staff who attended a way of releasing frustrations and stresses from their busy day to day job.

"At the same time it has helped improve fitness and mental health."

NHS staff gave their own verdicts on the benefits of boxing training.

Rachel from Crewe, said: "I attended my first ABC boxing class just over a year ago when my friend told me about a boxercise class for NHS staff. 

"When we got there, there were boxing rings and lots of punch bags and I panicked that this would not be up my street. How wrong I was.

MTX sponsored the Leighton Hospital NHS boxing training classes through Maverick Stars (Ryan Parker).

"The coaches have been fabulous. It's an inclusive environment and I've learnt a whole new skill, not just the fitness that comes naturally with it. 

"What a great thing to do for NHS staff, I've made life-long friendships and I don't want it to end."

A number of female NHS attendees found the class motivating - totally changing their opinion boxing is a male sport.

SCABC Head Coach, Nathan Clarke, added: "We appreciate the opportunity provided by MTX and Maverick Stars and the donation from MTX to support our organisation. 

NHS staff from Leighton Hospital have given highly positive feedback on the boxing classes (Ryan Parker).

"Matthew and our coaches Monika Cien, Hayley Bevan, and also Simon Jones who began the coaching have really enjoyed meeting the fantastic NHS staff over the past year.

"We hope to continue connecting with the NHS in the future."

READ MORE: Appeal for help after cat left for dead in taped-up box outside Crewe high school.

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