Franklin Fight Night

A team of Franklin fighters put their bodies on the line to do their bit for local youth facing modern day challenges.

The 13-strong squad of amateur boxers, led by Pukekohe motivation coach Megan Van Lieshout, took to the boxing ring in August to raise awareness of, and funds, to help combat youth challenges.

They hope to help build resilience and equip young people with the skills needed to tackle anxiety and society's pressures. Franklin Fight Night has the ambitious goal of establishing a purpose-run Pukekohe Resource and Education Facility to help achieve this for the district's young people and their mind health.

Helping to make this goal a reality is key sponsor Dr Creasan Reddy from Pukekohe Family Doctors, Urgent Care and Seddon St Doctors, who will provide the location and staff for the new facility.

The charity boxing event was inspired by the tragic passing of locals and it had the heartfelt support of loved ones mourning their loss and coping with the impact on families left behind.

The event stems from Van Lieshout's quest for better mind health. A keen fitness boxer, she was spurred on by how the sport had helped her on her journey.

"In my work I see people struggling all the time and noticed it was becoming an epidemic, particularly with our youth... and over time I realised the only way we can get through these things is to fight from within. That's where Franklin Fight Night came in.

I was willing to fight for this, I'd lost friends and seen others battle with mind health issues.

Through lots of thought, and research, and dialogue with Creasan, we set the goal - let's create a Resource and Education Facility focused on mind health for our young people."

South Pacific Seeds was proud to be a sponsor of the Franklin fight night which raised $50,000 for the local youth.