Kickboxing champion Kash ' The Flash’ Gill launches appeal for kids' Xmas gifts
Dec 3 2009 By Gregg Evans
A FORMER world kickboxing champion is hoping to create a merry Christmas for deprived Birmingham youngsters.
Kash ‘The Flash’ Gill is determined to provide hundreds of festive gifts for children from Ladywood during two Christmas open days at his gym in nearby Edgbaston.
The 43-year-old will run a special auction night to raise funds that will enable him to support the disadvantaged youths.
He is currently calling on local businesses to help support his kind gesture and put something back into the community.
“Ladywood is deprived and run-down and there is a lot of crime in the area, but it’s about time that changed,” he said.
“I want to put a smile back on the kids faces and what better time to do that than at Christmas.
“I’m hoping to get a load of presents together and wrap them all up for a Christmas open day.”
The four-times world champion, who runs his own gym – International Freestlye Association kickboxing club – has already started to receive support from Birmingham-based businesses.
Aston Villa officials have supplied a club football to sell at the auction, although a date has not been set. Kash knows he is facing a race against time with just three weeks to go until the big day.
But he said his motivation to rid Ladywood of its tag as one of the most deprived areas in the country was kicking him into gear.
Coming from Handsworth, the owner of the Icknield Port Road gym said he knew what it was like to grow up in a tough area.
“My old area had its problems with the riots so I know about the hardship lifestyle.
“My gym is based right on the border of Ladywood and it’s time the people of that area had something to smile about. It upsets me when some of the kids come into my gym and they cannot afford to train.
“It’s a shame for them and I’m just hoping to cheer them up.”
* If you can help with any items for the auction night call Kash on 07973 421 690
