Islington BC’s stalwart chairman Lenny Hagland has been honoured with a prestigious award at the annual Norwood and Paskin Children’s Trust charity boxing dinner.

Hagland, who has been a member of the club since its foundation in 1974, has more than 25 years’ coaching experience and manages tthe day to day running of their Hazellville Road gym.

He has been instrumental in expanding Islington’s junior section, helping to coach youngsters in local schools and further afield – having returned from a coaching trip to Sri Lanka just two days before the dinner show.

A former national amateur champion, he also represented London and Young England and is the only person in the club’s history to progress from boxer to coach, matchmaker and committee member.

Hagland received the Henry Cooper Award for dedication to boxing and the community at the annual event, which helps to support disadvantaged children and their families, and is co-sponsored by the Gazette’s sister publication, Ham&High Property.

“I was very surprised to get this award,” said Hagland, who is also Islington’s development officer. “I feel like the figurehead of the club, but there are so many other people who work hard to run it and I want to thank all of them.

“I’ve grown up with this club since the age of nine, so I don’t really know any different. Boxing’s a sport that gives you a lot of discipline and you need that in life as well.

“It’s so satisfying to help any kid who comes into the gym with their life, whether they end up boxing competitively or not. We try to help the whole community and the club has a good reputation in that regard.”

The dinner, which was held at the Lancaster London Hotel and included a raffle and an auction of sporting memorabilia, raised an impressive £160,000 for its two charities.