A man who wanted to keep his 'Nottingham legend' grandad's legacy alive has opened a new boxing club. Samuel Varley, an experienced personal trainer and boxing coach, said Lady Bay Boxing Club is 'the first club of its kind in the area' and opened in September last year.
Operating from Lady Bay Scout Hut, on Mona Road, the club has 12 children and 15 adults attending the club on average every week. And it all started when Mr Varley wanted to commemorate his grandad, and "celebrate his life".
Michael Andrew Varley, better known as Mick Varley, was a British boxer who became a "star" in the 70s and 80s, his grandson said. He added that Mr Varley was also the only person from Nottingham to attend the Olympics for boxing.
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He sadly died aged 73, after a battle with dementia, Alzheimer's Disease and cancer, his grieving grandson added. Samuel Varley, aged 31, added: "He had dinner with the Queen. He was a star in the 70s and 80s.
"Him and Brian Clough, they knew each other. He was head of Nottingham Forest supporters' club committee.
"So I wanted to keep his legacy alive. Unfortunately it was a quick downfall and it was very sad when he died. We wanted to commemorate him and celebrate his life. He raised me and my brother.
"He was like our father. Him and my grandmother were like our parents."
Grandson Mr Varley said he is thoughtful of the cost of living crisis, so much that an hour of personal training is just £15. But he sometimes offers personal training for free, helping and giving advice to people who have special needs.
"We started this in memory of my grandad. Now we are supporting the local community as well."
Clayton Peters, one of Mr Varley's clients, is a full-time fighter who travels up and down the country. He said the club is a "brilliant asset" to the local community, adding: "I have been training with him for a few weeks now.
"He is good at his work and I thought it would be good to have him on board as well. Having this club here is good for everybody.
"It keeps the children out of trouble. There is not much to do for children nowadays so this gives them something to do. It is the only boxing club in Lady Bay."
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