New boxing gym is fighting fit thanks to David’s support

David Cook, managing partner at Sunderland-based Northern Spire, has supported widely respected boxing coach and fighter Kieran Gorman to establish Kieran Gorman Boxing (KGB) Gym on Saltmeadows Road, Gateshead.

David explained: “I was a late starter when it comes to boxing – I didn’t put on my boxing gloves until I was 50. Kieran has been coaching me since then and I was only too happy to help him set up his new gym.

“I’ve always believed that businesses have a role to play in supporting the communities they operate in, and this is a project I’m particularly passionate about.

“Boxing teaches discipline, resilience, confidence and respect, and Kieran has a real passion for helping people develop those qualities. I’m delighted to be able to support him in getting KGB off the ground and creating a facility that can become a real asset for Gateshead and the wider area.”

Despite only being open for less than a month, more than 30 people have signed up to join the gym.

David said: “We have an amazing cross section of members already – from a paratrooper to a joiner and from a company director to a law student. We also have engineers and ex-footballers – and people of all ages – from teenagers to people like me in our 50s.

“A lot of people come along without any intention of fighting a proper bout in a ring, it’s just about getting fit for them – we have strength and conditioning coaching available as well as boxing and Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) coaching.”

Kieran was a self-employed boxing and MMA coach working at several regional gyms before David stepped in to establish KGB Gym, which has three dedicated coaches as well as Kieran.

“We had a conversation and I said I would be happy to help out, as I’ve got so much out of boxing and working with Kieran. He’s still competing, still having competitive boxing and MMA bouts,” said David, who has his own bout – his last – on a boxing card at a Felling gym on September 19.

“It’ll be my last fight as I’m getting on a bit now – I have shoes older than some of the lads joining the gym!” he explained.

Kieran said: “I’m so grateful to David for his help and support in setting up KGB gym. He’s helped financially but also given me the confidence to go ahead and set my own place up. Establishing your own gym is a huge challenge, but having David’s support and experience behind me has made a massive difference,

“I want KGB to be somewhere that everyone feels welcome, whether they’re completely new to boxing, looking to get fit, or want to take their skills further. Boxing can have such a positive effect on people’s lives, and I’m excited about what we can build here.”

The new gym is open Monday to Friday, with a specific ladies class on a Saturday – although women can, and do, attend the weekday classes.

Northern Spire provides financial advice to individuals and owner-managed businesses across the region. The business places a strong emphasis on long-term relationships and supporting the wider North East business community. For more on Northern Spire, go to https://partnership.sjp.co.uk/northernspire

For more on the gym, go to https://kierangormanboxing.co.uk