"She helped people in many ways, as a volunteer in a school, as a brown belt in karate helping younger students and as a grandma most of all. She will be greatly missed." 

Anyone who witnessed the collision or who has information are urged to phone the Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 0161 856 4741. 

NEW FIGHT COMPETITION DEVISED TO HELP
PROGRESS FIGHTERS

By Phil Doherty

A NEW group has been formed to help fighters reach their true potential.

The Apex Fighter group's mission is to create a platform for amateur fighters to compete safely and act as a springboard for athletes to hone their skills and build their experience before turning professional.

Top fighter Peter Irving, one of the organisers of the group, said: "With co-operation between gyms we can build an amateur network that will ensure fair match ups through open and honest declaration of participant’s abilities and experience, including BJJ and Judo ranking, boxing and Thaiboxing experience and time training in MMA."

The Apex Fighter system will echo successful amateur circuits such as Shooto that exist in Europe and Japan, carefully progressing through C-class (1x4 minute round-shin guards, optional headguard, no elbow, no knees to head, no strikes to the head of a grounded opponent) and after a minimum of 10 bouts to A or B-class (3x3 mins, no elbow, unified amateur rules).

A class amateur follows the NSAC, or 'unified' amateur rule set. B class amateur prohibits any strikes to the head of a downed opponent.

The first event is slated for Sunday, March 24th. The cost is £10 for entry for participants and £25 for spectators with £10 commission going to the fighter for each ticket sold.

Peter added: "For the inaugural event fighters will not be required to pass through the mandatory C-class bout minimum, and entry into the A or B-class system will be at the coaches discretion.

"C-class fights will take place on the daytime in a round robin tournament format, beginning with a random draw, with Gold, Silver and Bronze medals awarded to first, second and third place combatants. 

"B and A class bouts will take place on the ticketed evening show with single matched fights.

"It is our goal to have the Apex fighter C-class fights take place regularly as inter-clubs in sports halls or gyms, where participating clubs can run the bouts autonomously, without charge, and submit the results to be database and allow fighters to progress as quickly as is possible for their optimal development.

"It is free for both gyms and athletes to be a part of the organisation, and though based in the North-East, participation is not limited to local clubs."

For further information phone Peter Irving on: 07429  610021

Or email: