Gareth Stemp, 25 years old, from Edinburgh is a former soldier who served in Iraq, and is now a rising star in the boxing world, thanks to support from Poppyscotland.
Following five years in the Army, which included a tour in Iraq and success in inter-military boxing tournaments, Gareth was dedicated to developing his boxing career. He was a member of the Scottish national amateur squad but was struggling to juggle his full-time studies in Sports Coaching and Development with a demanding and gruelling boxing training regime. This had a major impact on his finances too as trying to fit in a job was near impossible.
Poppyscotland stepped in and was able to award Gareth a grant to ease the burden on his finances and allow him to focus on his studies and boxing.
Gareth has now turned professional and is working with one of Scotland’s top boxing promoters. However, Gareth recognises the need to establish a career and on completion of his three-year HND this year he intends to go on to university to become a PE teacher.
Gareth said: “I am very grateful to Poppyscotland for the help they have given me. It has allowed me to focus on my studies and continue my boxing. I am keen to develop sport as a career and an interest because I believe it promotes self-discipline and offers a way for young people to change their lives and do great things.”
To express his appreciation Gareth will wear poppy-branded shorts during his fights and a Poppyscotland t-shirt when entering the ring.
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Case Study: Gareth Stemp » 