South Tyneside boxing club launch fundraiser for memorial bench to remember master barber Allan Stone

Allan Stone before his first boxing match at Harton & Westoe Boxing And Fitness Club which he went on to win.

Harton and Westoe Boxing and Fitness club have launched a fundraiser where the group will run four miles every four hours for 48 hours on Friday, March 5 to raise money for a memorial bench in honour of Allan Stone.

Allan Stone, the much-loved South Tyneside Master Barber and dad tragically died on Thursday, January 28 at the age of 46.

Friends, family and the barbering world united in grief, with industry experts hailing his skills, and enthusiasm for his profession – with hundreds of tributes also being left outside his Stoney’s Barber Shop and online at the time of his death.

The barber was involved in the boxing club’s charity events over several years and attending exercise classes at the South Tyneside fitness club.

Coach Chris Goodall alongside other coaches and volunteers are running for 48 hours to raise money for a memorial bench for Allan.

Mourners line streets near Stoney’s Barber Shop to say final goodbye to South Sh...

Chris said: “I have known Allan for around 20 years and he was always the first to get involved in our charity events, he attended classes and anything we did at the club his name was first on the list.

Chris Goodall (middle) with fellow coaches Steven Graham and Michelle Robinson who are taking part the challenge

"We wanted to raise money for a memorial bench for Allan because he was loved by so many people and it will give people a place to go if they miss him or are thinking about him.”

The charity event will run from 8pm on Friday, March 5 for 48 hours and all the funds raised will go towards the bench.

More than £32,000 has been raised by Allan’s close friend Sean Shabilla, along with his partner and family to help support Allan’s family following his shock death.

Chris added: “Allan had a knack for making people happy, he knew everyone and even if he hadn’t seen somebody in months or years he would remember their name and was always making sure people were OK.

"He just had a gift and this memorial bench will be placed in honour of him and all the people he made happy.”

You can donate to the fundraiser here.

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