A THAI Boxing enthusiast, who was moved to act by the plight of starving east African children, has completed a gruelling 50-round challenge.
Mike Sones, who works in healthcare in Poole, took three hours to finish the light contact sparathon, which took place at Bournemouth’s Bulldog Gym.
The 58-year-old only started participating in Thai boxing training, as a way of keeping fit, three and-a-half years ago.
After completing the challenge, which saw him spar with eight different fighters, Mike said: “I’m a bit tired, but otherwise fine.
“What I found particularly challenging was wearing the headguard all the time because I just started to cook.
“In the end I had to complete a couple of rounds without it, so for these rounds we sparred without contact.”
Mike has already raised almost £800 for Save the Children’s efforts in famine hit regions of east Africa.
He said: “I was watching some of the famine coverage on the television and thought it would be a good thing to raise some money for Save the Children’s efforts out there, while at the same time giving myself a personal challenge.
“I train at the gym for about eight or nine hours a week. I don’t fight competitively, as I feel a little too old to do this.”
While preparing for the sparathon challenge, Mike – who is a keen cyclist – trained as usual and also got on his bike to improve his stamina levels.
He said: “I wore the head, belly, shin and mouth guards and had breaks in between rounds. To start with these were 30 second breaks, but after round 20 they became one minute.
“I’d just like to thank everyone at the gym for their support and everyone for sponsoring me. And please, continue giving money for the cause.”
Visit justgiving.com/Michael-sones0 to donate.
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