Branding expert prepares to step into the ring for Swindon charity
Wiltshire branding expert Mike Land is embarking on his latest fundraising adventure, this time taking up boxing in support of Swindon-based welfare charity Best Mates.
Mike, who runs Nickel Design, last made the news when he attempted to break the world record for a 24-hour van pull, raising more than £17,000 in the process.
Now, he has signed up for the Road to Glory boxing programme, run by Swindon Martial Arts & Fitness Centre – an intensive ten-week programme for boxing beginners and novices, culminating in a fight night in front of a live audience.
Mike is raising funds for Best Mates, which provides practical, emotional, and financial support to individuals and families navigating personal hardship, mental health challenges, or life crises.
Mike said, “It’s always been something I wanted to do and now, in my mid-50s, I’m stepping into the ring and learning how to move, punch and defend myself, all while someone is trying to punch me back!
“But underneath the laughs and aching muscles there’s a serious reason for doing it. Best Mates is a charity I got to know through my good friend Jeff Tucker. Hearing Jeff talk about his own story, the charity and the difference it makes to people and families when life gets incredibly tough made it an easy choice.”
In true boxing style, Mike also wants to adopt a name for himself, currently toying with Mike ‘The Mayhem’ Land, or ‘The Stuntman’, or ‘Mr Selfie’, but is open to suggestions.
No stranger to fundraising, Mike has bungee jumped, run marathons and half-marathons, staged a Strictly Come Dancing contest and even abseiled down Portsmouth’s Spinnaker Tower, in aid of a number of different charities. Between last year’s van pull and Road to Glory training, Mike has taken part in the London to Brighton cycle ride and undertaken a 100-mile cycle with fellow business owners from Aspire networking.
The Road to Glory fight night will be staged on 14th November at Mecca in Regent Circus, Swindon. Every ticket Mike sells will mean a £5 donation to Best Mates.
Mike has also set up a JustGiving page for donations at: justgiving.com/page/mike-land-rtg.
Pictured: Mike Land, who will be stepping into the ring in aid of Swindon charity, Best Mates
