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by ROGER HALSTEAD BILL Quinn, the Oldham chairman, will step into the ring and fly the flag for the Roughyeds in the Legends of League Boxing Evening at the Reebok Stadium on June 14. A former amateur boxer in his teenage years, 42-year-old Bill will turn back the clock and put the gloves on again as part of the huge event to raise funds for the Steve Prescott Foundation in its fight against cancer. Steve, the former St Helens, Wakefield and Hull star, is being treated for a rare form of stomach cancer and has reacted positively to the challenge by spearheading a Foundation that will not only assist the Prescott family but will raise funds for Christies, the RFL Benevolent Fund and any other worthy cause approved by Steve. Despite his illness he is himself taking part in fund-raising events, the latest being the London Marathon which he completed in just over four and a half hours. Steve said later: "I ran the last three miles in pure agony. With 800 metres to go I was really going fast, but my groin cramped up. Somehow, I got there in the end, but i was absolutely drained. At least we raised some money for a worthy cause." The money Steve raised from the marathon will go to Christies Hospital in Manchester, which is currently treating Steve for his condition. Among future fund-raising events will be the big one at the Reebok on June 14 when Bill Quinn will be among a line-up of "boxers" which will include Garry Schofield, Bobbie Goulding, Anthony Sullivan, Tim Street, Alan Hunte and Karl Kirkpatrick. He is likely to be fighting either Goulding, the Rochdale Hornets coach, or Kirkpatrick, the former RL referee who is now officiating in the Union code. Bill said today: "I went training with some of the other guys last night and signed on to take part. It's 25 years since I last stepped into a boxing ring, but this is for a very worthy cause and I intend to work hard on getting myself into some sort of shape over the course of the next few weeks. "I don't think boxing technique will cause me too many concerns even though I haven't boxed for such a long time; my main focus will have to be on fitness and that's what I'll be concentrating on. "I'm likely to be fighting either Bobbie Goulding or Karl Kirkpatrick and, either way, it should arouse a bit of needle. I suppose if its Bobbie it will be regarded by fans as Oldham v Hornets and if its Karl I think most fans would take a special interest in seeing a referee in the ring. It should be a great night, and the main thing is it will be raising funds for a very worthwhile cause and one which I am proud to be supporting in this way." Bill is looking to be sponsored by Roughyeds fans to help to swell the fund on the night. Details of how sponsors can get involved will be announced later. |
