Talent squad boxer Faye’s 50k charity bid

England Talent Pathway boxer Faye Marshall hopes to raise £500 by running 50k in 10 days in memory of her late grandfather, Robert.

The 13-year-old, who boxes for Great Wyrley ABC in the Midlands region, decided to take up the challenge for Kidney Research UK after he died last year following a 10-year battle with his illness.

The Walsall teenager has set up a Just Giving page which has so far helped her raise £341 of her £500 target.

After running 5k each day, she is set to reach her distance goal on Wednesday – and is hoping more money will have been added to the pot by then.

“Faye was extremely close to her grandad and he really encouraged her in her boxing, so when he sadly passed away with kidney failure, she wanted to do something to remember him,” said mum Hayley.

“She chose to do it over 10 days because that is how long he fought his illness and she picked 50k to do during that time because it was a good distance but a reasonable one to manage.

“Most boxers are pretty fit, so she can handle the running, but it’s obviously an extra commitment to keep it going for the consecutive days she has.

“Every parent is proud of their child, but we’re extremely proud that she has gone out and done this off her own back.”

A finalist in the England Boxing National Schools Championships at Crawley last year in the Cadet Under 48kg category, Faye was disappointed this year’s event was cancelled due to the Coronavirus Pandemic.

But she nevertheless continues to train hard, taking inspiration from boxers such as Terri Harper, Katie Taylor, Natasha Jonas, Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua.

Faye added: “She has really enjoyed being on the England Talent Pathway and her biggest goal is to one day get on the GB squad.

“Quite rightly, we are not allowed to go in while Faye is training at the gym, but while she has been at home during lockdown, we have really got to see the skills she has developed first hand.”

To donate to Faye’s cause, click here.