Doncaster business men going toe to toe for Ben's cause

Doncaster entrepreneur Dominic Gibbs and his challenger Liam Grady will battle it out later this year in aid of Doncaster war hero Ben Parkinson’s Pilgrim Bandits organisation.

The idea was hatched after Dominic, owner of Doncaster live music venue Diamond Live Lounge, had the pleasure of meeting Ben at the premiere of a BBC documentary focusing on his trip down the Yukon river.

Dominic said: “Ben Parkinson is a true inspiration to me and I wanted to do something different to raise money and awareness, to give something back to a remarkable man and a remarkable charity.”

The pair will battle it out in the Rough Diamonds event on May 15 – giving the pair just four months to get in shape for the bruising contest.

He said: “This will be our second Rough Diamonds event after our first last year was a great success but instead of just organising it, I am now throwing myself into the ring for my own personal battle.

“It certainly makes for an intriguing match-up as I know nothing about Liam’s fighting ability but we will see that come fight night. Let’s bring it on.”

Liam, aged 32, director of Bodhi Communications, said: “First and foremost, Dominic has arranged this to raise as much money for a charity as possible.

“You don’t get anywhere in life without getting through challenges ahead.

“It is a fantastic personal challenge for us both and praise has to be given to Dominic for putting himself within his own event for such a great cause. I’ve probably enjoyed myself a little too much in 2015 so this gives me a personal goal to work towards.”

Over the course of the next few months people will be able to follow what the pair are putting themselves through to get fit and ready to fight.

The event will take place at the Diamond Live Lounge, Wood Street and will showcase some of the best up-and-coming martial arts talent the region has to offer.

Proceeds from the event will go direct to Pilgrim Bandits and Ben Parkinson will be a special guest on the evening.

Liam added: “Let’s just say I write better than I probably fight at this moment in time, and Dominic has fists the size of wrecking balls!”