Remembering Brendan Ingle

Brendan, who received an MBE in 1998 for his services to boxing as well as for his work with youngsters in Sheffield, became a legend in the boxing world and was trainer of four world champions. In his adopted home of Sheffield, he was however just as well known for his amazing work with the young people of Wincobanc. Brendan was persuaded to help with activities by a local priest worried about the behaviour and prospects of the areas’ young men and boys.

Brendan’s work with those young people showed the real depth of the man and countless young lives have been put back on track because of his work with them. For someone who was as famous and as accomplished in their profession as Brendan was, it was fantastic to see that he was most at home, at his Gym in Wincobanc surrounded by the local’s youngsters.

Brendan was also a staunch anti-racist. He recognised racism for the divisive rubbish it is and knew it could only harm and bring upset to the children and young men he cared so deeply about. I remember being so pleased when I was able to meet him at his gym to do an article for Hope not hate about the dangers of the BNP. He was determined to play his part in defending his area from them and I was honoured that he wanted to support our campaign.

Brendan Ingle was a man you are lucky to meet once in a lifetime,.a true friend of working class community, a staunch anti-racist and one of the best trainers ever. RIP.