Brave boxers raise over £37,000 fighting mitochond… - The Lily Foundation
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Fighting mito,
finding hope.

Brave boxers raise over £37,000 fighting mitochondrial disease

Events Fundraising

9 May 2024

More than 500 excited spectators piled into The Clapham Grand for this year’s Lily Fight Night, eager to experience one of the most popular events in our calendar. They were treated to 11 fantastic fights, with many more supporters following the action via our YouTube live stream.

Two boxers sparring in the ring at the Clapham Grand Two boxers either side of the ref in the ring at the Lily Fight NIght Supporters in the balcony seats at the Lily Fight Night Two boxers in Lily vests taking punches at one another Lily Fight Night boxers stand in the ring with charity founder, Liz Two Lily Fight Night boxers standing either side of the ref with their arms raised Close-up of a boxer in a Lily vest  and headguard at the Lily Fight Night A Lily Fight Night boxer being interviewed by commentator Adam Leventhal One Lily fighter ducks out of the way as the other takes a punch The crowds cheer and embrace a heroic boxer at Lily Fight Night A winning boxer raises his arms with the ref in the ring at the Clapham Grand A boxer in Lily vest takes a punch at his opponent in the ring Two boxers lean in as the ref stands between them at the Lily Fight Night Commentator Andy Clarke holding the microphone at the Lily Fight Night

22 rookie boxers braved the ring at the iconic venue, putting on a performance they can all be proud of. The impressive total they’ve collectively raised will help us fight mitochondrial disease, raise awareness and support all those affected.

Broadcaster and presenter Adam Leventhal kicked off the evening, the 12th boxing event since the charity began, by inviting the fighters into the ring, match by match, to build up the tension.

Then it was the turn of Lily founder and CEO Liz Curtis to step into the ring. She thanked the boxers for their heroic efforts before showing a short film about Millie and her baby son Otto. It highlighted the importance of getting a diagnosis for mitochondrial disease and really hit home with the crowd, many of whom were new to the charity and the work we do.

And then it was over to the boxers. Sky Sports commentator Andy Clarke took the mike while professional referee Kenny Curtis oversaw the action inside the ring. A quick reminder of the rules in case anyone got carried away – three 2-minute rounds, no kicking and no elbowing – and then we were off.

The crowd were treated to a series of blistering battles, and it was clear that all our fabulous fighters had trained hard in the run-up to the event. There was blood and there was sweat during an action-packed evening, but fortunately there were no tears. Roared on by a wild crowd, everyone who stepped into the ring showed incredible courage and determination.

A big thank you

Thank you to everyone who donated their time and expertise to make Lily Fight Night 2024 such a success, including the whole team at The Clapham Grand. Thank you to host Adam Leventhal, commentator Andy Clarke and to referee Kenny Curtis for getting the decisions spot on.

A special thank you to Barry O’Connell and the team at State of Mind Fitness for coaching and ringside support, And, last but not least, thank you to Guy Hogg from Performance Flooring in Bath who sponsored the event and took to the ring with his business partner, Joseph Cox.

Throw your hat into the ring

If you’ve been inspired by our boxing heroes, now’s your chance to sign up for Lily Fight Night 2025. If you’d like to get fit, have fun and help us fight mitochondrial disease, register your interest today and we’ll be in touch as soon as we have more information.

In memory of baby Otto

Last year, Millie and Tony lost their beautiful baby boy, Otto, to mitochondrial disease. Here Millie explains why getting a confirmed diagnosis for Otto was so significant. It’s stories like theirs that make The Lily Foundation determined to change things.

In 2024, 80% of patients do not have a genetic diagnosis for mitochondrial disease, and that’s simply not good enough. Without one, there is no chance of finding a cure, being offered treatment or simply being accepted on a clinical trial. And, possibly the hardest thing of all for some, reproductive options are severely limited.

Help us to support families like Millie and Tony, and improve the lives of everyone affected by mitochondrial disease.