Last month, Archie Todd-Leask (C1 2017-22) and the team at Durham University put on the Aggression Sessions annual charity boxing event. Aggression Sessions is the UK’s largest completely non-profit, student-led boxing event. They ensure to prioritise fair fights and the safety of their boxers and are fully regulated by the England Boxing Association, providing a reassuring environment for all participants.

During the past 10 years, Aggression Sessions have raised over £250,000 for various charities and, this year, are supporting Point North, a grant-making foundation that works to alleviate poverty in the North East of England and CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably), a UK-based suicide prevention charity that also fights to reduce the stigma around mental health.

Both charities, Point North and CALM, hold a special place in Archie’s heart. Having benefited from counselling at Marlborough College, Archie deeply understands the value of support and the importance of having someone to talk to when struggling. During his presidency at Aggression Sessions, he has closely worked with Point North on various projects, including the Allotment Project CIC. This involved working with disadvantaged teenagers excluded from school and providing a supportive alternative education to enhance mental health and wellbeing and reduce social isolation. Witnessing first-hand the difference the charity can make fuelled Archie’s passion and commitment to make the event successful.

Despite boxing for the event last academic year, Archie admitted that he underestimated the workload involved in the president’s role. However, he credits his role as Company Sergeant Major in CCF and Prefect of C1 at Marlborough with instilling the passion to lead a team and the drive to work through challenges.

Archie and his team have raised a staggering £11,000 in support of Point North and CALM, from the fundraiser and a cumulative total of £27,000. If you would like to support their efforts, you can do so here.