11 June 2019

Marc Stanier of iMPACT Boxing Fitness has doubled his original target for sponsorship for MindSpace Stamford at the recent half Marathon in Derby on Sunday 9th June. The amazing result was achieved following a last-minute entry within 48 hours of the start!  

Organised by Run For All for the first time in 2018, the Asda Foundation Derby Half Marathon – formally known as the Ramathon, was a welcome addition to Run For All’s events calendar, attracting thousands of pounds for good causes. 

Marc has been volunteering for MindSpace since November 2018 as a boxing fitness coach. The Managed Care Network part of the Lincolnshire Partnership Foundation Trust then supported some of the activities from January 2019. He provides fun, supportive wellbeing sessions which have proved really popular. There is proven research to show that increasing physical activity improves wellbeing by 12% (ref; David Niven Ohio University) 

Boxing was a lifeline for Prince Harry as he suffered total chaos in dealing with the death of his mother, Princess Diana. Harry found refuge in boxing as he recalls that the premature death of his mother had pushed him “very close to a complete breakdown on numerous occasions” 

The mental and physical health benefits of boxing are so profound, increase in physical strength, stress reliever, reduces anxiety, lowers level of depression by increasing oxytocin, helps aid good sleep and can improve self-image. 

Marc Stanier said “I’m really overwhelmed by the scale of support for my half Marathon in aid of MindSpace Stamford. The entry was literally last minute as I only entered at midnight on Friday 7^th June, so had less than 48 hours to get sponsorships. It is a pleasure to support the charity, as they have such a positive effect on the local community, I am proud to be part of the services they offer and look forward to meeting many more new members at the free ‘boxing for wellness’ sessions every Tuesday and Thursday. I want to thank everyone who has sponsored me”  

Helen Howe, Chair of Trustees said “Marc has been an amazing supporter of MindSpace and enabled a new and fun physical activity to be part of our weekly programme of events. Some members who usually don’t like physical activity have tried boxing and absolutely love it, its so different to other activities and is very popular with all ages”. 

Feedback from members who attend boxing indicates that, according to a wellbeing scale, it increased their wellbeing by up to 40%. One member said, “I don’t like physical activity normally, but boxing is such great fun and Marc the coach is so encouraging and supportive to motivate me and make me feel good about myself, thank you Marc”. 

If you would like to fundraise for MindSpace Stamford, please visit our fundraising page for more information.