The money raised through the annual charity boxing match, sponsored by the Ham&High Property, will make a huge difference to the lives of vulnerable children and adults.

Ham & High: Simon Piler, who is supported by Norwood, with mum, Jo Piler; compere, Ian Royce and committee member, Simon MannSimon Piler, who is supported by Norwood, with mum, Jo Piler; compere, Ian Royce and committee member, Simon Mann (Image: Archant)

Spectators at the glittering Annual Boxing Dinner enjoyed professional boxing and raised more than £125,000 for charities Norwood and the Paskin’s Children’s Trust.

The event, which has taken place for the last 30 years, will make a huge difference to the lives of vulnerable children and their families and adults with learning disabilities and autism who are supported by Norwood.

It will also help the Paskin Children’s Trust care for sick and disabled children, by supporting welfare, medical, and educational projects.

Local fundraisers, guests and boxing impresarios watched three exciting boxing matches, alongside both live and silent auctions and a raffle at the Lancaster London Hotel on May 10.

Ham & High: The winner is announced for one of the three rounds of boxing.The winner is announced for one of the three rounds of boxing. (Image: Archant)

Simon Piler, who is supported by Norwood, spoke movingly about what the charity has helped him to achieve and why events such as this are so important, saying: “What’s special about Norwood is, we’ve got a great set of staff.

“They help us and guide us, and I’ve come really really far.

“I’d tell people to come to events like this because you’ve got to be caring, you’ve got to look after people, you’ve got to be kind – and then you’ll get it back yourself.”

The event was compared by comedian Ian Royce, with fellow comic Bobby Davro of Live From Her Majesty’s, treating the audience to a live stand-up set.

Alan Parry, from The Lion Club in Hackney, was presented with the Henry Cooper Award for over 45 years’ of dedication to boxing – backing generations of young boxing talent.

Lee Koffman co-chaired the Boxing Dinner Committee with Robert Waterman.

Mr Waterman said: “It’s amazing to bring such a cross-section of people together to a charity boxing dinner for Norwood, where money can be raised for the good of the community.”