South Tyneside boxing club takes on gruelling fundraiser for memorial bench to honour master barber Allan Stone

Coaches at Harton and Westoe Boxing and Fitness club carried out the 4x4x48 challenge over last weekend (Friday, March 5 to Sunday, March 7) to raise money for a memorial bench in honour of Allan Stone.

The challenge meant that those taking part would have to run four miles, every four hours for 48 hours – meaning that participants were running on little sleep and energy.

The much-loved South Tyneside master barber and dad tragically died on Thursday, January 28 at the age of 46.

Many came together to pay tribute to Allan, with with hundreds of tributes left outside his Stoney’s Barber Shop and online at the time of his death.

Allan was involved in the boxing club’s charity events over several years and attending exercise classes at the South Tyneside fitness club – with the club wanting to give something back following his death.

Coach Michelle Robinson, 41, has told the Gazette about how difficult the challenge was and praised those who took part.

She said: “Throughout the challenge, we all laugh, cried, I think that every run was a struggle.

"It felt like we were getting back from one run and then going straight back out for another, by run eight, injuries started to kick in and it was difficult.

"I have to pay special thanks to Konna Peterson, who ran every single one of the runs despite having no training, and to gym owner Chris Goodall’s wife, Rachel, who motivated us all the way through.”

The gym has raised over £5,000 so far – a combination of online and person donations which has surprised Michelle.

She added: “We only expected to raise around £1,000 so it is amazing how many people have actually come together to honour the memory of one man.

"We ran the same route for each run so people were coming out to show their support and clapping for us from their front doors.”

You can still donate to the fundraiser by clicking here.

Support your Gazette and become a subscriber today. Enjoy unlimited access to local news, the latest football stories and new puzzles every day.

With a digital subscription, you can see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content.

Click here to subscribe.