FIREFIGHTERS from south Essex took to the ring at the O2 Arena to mark the Grenfell Tower tragedy and raise money for a children’s charity.

Lee Glover, who is based at Rochford Fire Station fought in an amateur boxing event at Indigo inside the arena where £12,000 was raised for Joni’s Army, a charity which young people and children access treatments and equipment that fall outside of NHS funding.

Steve Thorogood, based at Rayleigh Weir Fire Station was in Lee’s corner for the fight, and celebrated as he took the victory in the three round bout. Lee, 38, from Rochford said: “There were 36 contests altogether and with the crowd, it made it a fantastic atmosphere.

“I won my boxing match, all three rounds. It was tough but I trained hard for it, and I enjoyed every minute of it.

“It was a great night all round.”

During the event on Friday, June 8, a minutes silence was observed to remember the 71 people who died in the tower block fire.

Joni’s Army also brought with them a young boy call Jack, who suffered from a very rare form of cancer, Neuroblastoma, which breeds in nerve tissue, and can spread to the neck, chest, abdomen and spine.

Lee said: “We were all told his story, which left everyone in the arena touched and moved on how this young lad who had such little life, was so full of life.

“The whole event was sometimes emotional, but very positive.”

Guests cheered and roared approval during the about 100 rounds of fighting.

Lee also paid thanks to his sons Alfie and Lee, and his team who trained him at Evolution Fitness in London Road, Leigh.

He added: “I would like to thank my father in law Ambrose who has influenced me massively in and out of the boxing ring and was a big help on the night, my wife Helen who’s put up with me and my stinky sweaty training gear for the last eight weeks. To find out more about Joni’s Army, go to www.justgiving.com/jonis-army