Boxing champ's knock-out gesture (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Boxing champ's knock-out gesture

9:07am Friday 4th May 2007 in Swindon By Gazette Reporter

A disabed man has been given the freedom to leave his home, thanks to the generosity of a champion boxer.

Worldwide star Joe Calzaghe touched the heart of Swindonian Phillip Skeates by helping him pay for a mobility scooter.

Mr Skeates, who suffers from a severe spinal condition, organised an online auction to pay for the vehicle, which gives him the freedom to get out and about.

He raised all the money he needed but when one item was returned faulty, he was left £200 short of his target.

When Calzaghe got wind of Mr Skeates' situation at a sporting dinner at the Premier Club in Stratton, on Saturday night, he stepped in to make up the difference.

Mr Skeates, from Moredon, said he was "choked" by the amazing gesture from the boxer. "It brought a tear to my eye," he said.

"I only asked Joe Calzaghe if he would sign a glove so that I could auction it to make up the money for the mobility scooter.

"Not only did he sign the gloves but he offered to pay the remaining money for me. I couldn't believe it. I know it probably isn't a lot of money for him but it is an amazing gesture.

"He's a big hero of mine and I never asked for him to do that. I am so very grateful to him. A lot of other people have also helped me raise the money, in particular Keith Mayo, who helped me get a lot of the sports memorabilia.

"I'd like to say a very big thank you to everyone who has helped me with this."

Mr Skeates, 37, developed the back condition in 1991 and said it had become much more severe in the past six years, leaving him unable to leave home alone.

He said the new scooter would make a huge difference to his life. "Without it I would be totally house-bound and people can't imagine what that's like," he said.

"Now thanks to everyone's generosity I have my freedom. I am really happy, it will vastly improve my quality of life and I'm so grateful to everyone."

Joe Calzaghe said: "When I heard of Phillip's situation I was more than happy to help. I am delighted to have helped him get the scooter and I hope it helps improve the quality of his life.

"I wish him all the best for the future."

It is not the first time sporting stars have stepped in to help Mr Skeates. Former Swindon Town player Phil King held an auction, raising £4,500 to pay for an operation to alleviate Mr Skeates' excruciating back pain in September 2003.

Mr King used his football contacts to get hold of signed memorabilia, to sell at the pub he owns in Rodbourne, and help his friend.