Cafe Stella owner set to fight for causes close to his heart

Alex Grundy, who owns Cafe Stella in Leigh, will be stepping into the ring at charity boxing event, White Collar Fighter, in Manchester, on Friday, November 29.

The 34-year-old will be competing in a three-round fight in memory of his mum Pat, who died after suffering a stroke.

He is also supporting his friend Caroline Sutton after she had a stroke.

The dad-of-two will be sharing money raised for the event between the Stroke Association and Just BU CIC, an organisation that helps people with disabilities get involved in social activities.

The venue has been running Fusion club nights for the last six years to support the cause.

And two months ago, Alex launched a support group at the bar, Positive Action Together (PAT), whose acronyms spell out Alex's mum's name.

It provides help for people who need someone to talk to including people who have depression.

Alex had depression after his mum passed away.

Alex and his wife Zoe with their two children, Eva, three, and Jacob, seven

A Fusion club night

Justin Fellows, left, runs JUST BU CIC

He said: "I am a big believer in fate and I kept on seeing the White Collar Fighter event on social media so I thought it was a sign to get involved with it.

"When my Mum passed away I was making sure everyone around me was OK but then I was affected by her death and I didn't know what hit me for a couple of years.

"I have decided to help other people now through the Fusion nights and the PAT events."

Alex played for Leigh Miners Rangers and broke into Leigh Centurions' academy but he suffered a serious knee injury at the age of 17 which led to him being unable to carry on playing.

He is training at Jarmesty Martial Arts in Atherton in preparation for his bout.

Alex has also been put through his paces by personal trainer David Morris.

There will be around 40 fighters boxing on the night.

Alex said: "I am relishing the chance to prove myself and test my new skills.

"I am nervous as I don’t know who I’m fighting but we are all on the same page raising money for charity which is the main thing.

"It’s all about the cause, not the people we are fighting."

The Fusion club nights are held on the last Tuesday of every month from 7:30pm to 10:30pm which is £2.50 per person and £4 with a carer. The first event is free to attend.

The next PAT event takes place on November 4 between 6.30pm and 8.30pm. PAT also offers online support if people send a message to its Facebook page, PAT - Positive Action Together.

PAT is run by Alex and his friend Scott McBurnie.

Alex has set up crowdfunding pages for Just BU CIC which is here and the Stroke Association that is here.