Staff and patients at Medway hospital can expect a few extra treats over Easter thanks to boxing coach Billy Rumbol.

The former pro boxer, from Murston, decided to try and raise some money for the Oliver Fisher Baby Care unit at Medway by tackling his first serious run in over a year and a half and he was amazed by the response.

He's ended up raising over £700 - so much that he's splitting the amount between different wards at the hospital, including those who are tackling the Covid-19 crisis.

Billy, 28, completed a half marathon on Friday and will buy what he can to help, starting with the list supplied to him by a neighbour who works on the Oliver Fisher neonatal unit, which cares for unwell babies.

"The last time I did a run was 18 months ago and I was 20 kilos lighter so it was a bit of a struggle," he admits.

"The nurse opposite works at the Oliver Fisher and messaged me everything they want, tea, coffee, crisps and easter treats. Zoe, my wife, knows someone who works over in Medway too, dealing with Covid-19 and so I can help them and others as well.

"I will be able to get loads for the different wards. I didn't think I would raise as much as I did and I shut it off in the end, after raising £762."

Rumbol is a coach at Rumbles Boxing Academy, based on the Eurolink Trading Estate in Sittingbourne. Among those he coaches is Martin McDonagh, who is also planning on helping out.

"It might not be as much of a challenge for him to do a run," claimed Rumbol, who managed his half marathon in 2hrs 36mins.

"He can run, he loves it! I have to admit I was pretty tired afterwards, it was my first proper run since November 2018 and was certainly a challenge, but it was worth it."

Like all other clubs, the Rumbles academy is closed and they have been raising funds too in an effort to keep going during the crisis.

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