Sunderland boxing club rises from the flames after being hit by suspected arson attack
“It was fantastic to see all the kids coming back”
A Sunderland boxing club founder and coach has said it’s “fantastic” to be open and coaching local youngsters once again and that he “couldn’t have done it” without the help of the local community.
In August 2025, Frank Bagley and his wife Kerry were left “devastated” at seeing Redhouse Workmen’s Club ablaze after months of hard-work renovating the upstairs of the building ready to welcome more than 100 local youngsters to their new club site.
Frank and Kerry had secured a lease on the former social club, allowing Redhouse Boxing Club to return to its local area after a temporary move to Boldon whilst the renovations took place.
After coaching youngsters for a decade, Frank was also left counting the cost of losing thousands of pounds worth of boxing equipment.
Recalling the blaze, Frank said: “I got a call from someone who lives near the club and when I came down and saw the fire, it was horrific.
“We were just getting ready to open and after seeing the damage, we were devastated. I had around £5,000 of equipment which was ruined. There were holes in the roof, where the flames had billowed through, extensive smoke damage, and the floor was badly burnt.
“At that time, I thought the boxing club was finished.”
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However, like phoenix from the flames, last week the boxing club reopened to the public and it was thanks to the help of the local community.
As well as raising £1,790 through a JustGiving campaign, local trades people rallied around to repair the gym, ensuring the fire wasn’t a knock out blow.
Frank said: “The support from the local community has been fantastic. The help we’ve had has been a bit surreal - I’ve never experienced anything like it.
“As well as having to strip everything out, over a six-month period we had local joiner who would come in after work to repair the floor boards and a plasterer came to replaster the walls - both free of charge.
“We also had a painter and decorator come in for free and help out after work. If it hadn’t of been for their support we would not have been able to reopen.”
After reopening last week, over 100 kids have already attended the club.
Frank said: “It was fantastic to see all the kids coming back. Boxing gives these kids discipline, and a focus. It also gives them something to do to keep out of trouble, as well as getting kids off their consoles and keeping fit and active.”
Following the fire, Northumbria Police confirmed the blaze was “being treated as suspected arson”. Frank said, as yet, no one has been charged.
Frank and his wife Kerry particularly wanted to thank the family of Ray Dennis who donated £500 in his memory after his sad passing. The same amount was also donated in memory of Jean Williamson.
Anyone who is interested in getting involved should come down to the club on Rawmarsh Road.
Clubs run Monday to Friday from 4.30pm. Details of the different age groups and female only clubs can be found on Redhouse’s Facebook page.
Redhouse Boxing Club is still fundraising for the cost of repairs and replacing equipment as well as to reopen the first floor of the building for a youth club.