by Rebecca Hannant
A Withernsea woman is stepping into the ring at this summer’s Battle at the Seaside boxing event to raise money for a local domestic abuse charity.
On August 23, Hull Road playing fields will host the annual charity event, which sees amateur boxers from across the region compete for a chance to be crowned winner.
Taking part for the first time will be Vanessa Parish, who said she was inspired to take on the challenge after experiencing abusive relationships.
While she was not supported directly by the East Riding Domestic Abuse Trust, she previously received help from the Domestic Violence and Abuse Partnership (DVAP). After contacting the trust, she learned that the charity relied solely on fundraising and donations to support those experiencing domestic abuse and violence.
The East Riding Domestic Abuse Trust is a small local charity set up in 2003 to support individuals and families who have experienced domestic abuse. It aims to let people know they are not alone, they have not been forgotten, and that financial help is available to help them move on in life. The trust raises funds through grants, donations and fundraising events.
The charity provides grants for those living in the East Riding to help cover the costs of essential household items, refurbishment of accommodation, removal expenses, child-specific items and more. Past support has included cookers, fridges, beds, carpets, washing machines, tumble dryers, safety alarms, school uniforms and vacuum cleaners.
Vanessa said: “I have previously been in not-too-nice relationships. I worked with DVAP, who helped and supported me. There are so many different types of domestic violence, and I don’t think people realise this. I have learnt so much about it, I understand so much more as well.
“I believe that this should be touched on in schools as well as I have children myself, and unfortunately they have seen and heard things they shouldn’t have.
“I just want people to know there is help and support out there and no one is alone. Even though when you’re going through something you feel alone and it’s scary, there are people who will listen and not judge. There are people who can help.
“I asked my DVAP worker if she knew of any smaller charities or organisations that I could help, as I wanted to focus on the smaller charities as they don’t get any funding. The one I have chosen relies on fundraising and donations. I think they do an amazing job to help people.”
Participants are undergoing weekly training sessions ahead of the big night, learning all aspects of boxing.
Vanessa added: “Training is brilliant. We have learnt about our boxing stance, all six different punches, we’ve been learning our defences and we’re currently putting them together to make little combos. We use pads as well.
“We’ve all started right at the basics and are gradually putting them together. Footwork plays a massive role in it as well and making sure we all keep our guard up. I do a bit of jogging as well, which is a massive help as it helps with the cardio side of fitness – even just in training it’s very tiring! This week we will be doing a bit of gentle sparring, which we’re all looking forward to. The aim of boxing is to hit and not get hit.
“We all have a laugh and we’re all getting along learning new things. It’s positive and people can come along just to up their fitness and learn something new if they wanted – or they can take part in the event.”
To donate to Vanessa’s cause, visit justgiving.com/page/vanessa-boxing.