A BOXER is holding a “sparathon” at his gym today to raise funds for the family of a boy who died at sea.

Tommy Jacobs, of Willie’s Gym in Colchester, is inviting people to his gym tonight for several boxing rounds to raise funds for the family of Ben Quartermaine.

Ben, 15, died after getting into trouble swimming in the sea with a friend near Clacton pier.

Mr Jacobs, also known by his ring name of Tommy “Sweet T” Jacobs, worked with Ben at Clacton Coastal Academy through programmes to help youngsters through school and adolescent life.

After hearing of his tragic death, he said he wanted to do something to help his family at this difficult time.

He will be holding his sparathon at Willie’s Gym at the Whitehall Industrial Estate in Grange Farm Road, Colchester from 7pm today.

The public are invited to go along and pay £5 for a friendly round in the ring with him.

All proceeds will go to the family.

Mr Jacobs said: “The group would be a place for them to come and have various active classes and sessions to give them encouragement and keep them on the right path.

“I would go in to do talks with them for support, such as teaching them to make sure they were not in danger of getting into crime and avoid getting in with the wrong crowd.

“When the news broke and I clicked it was one of the boys I had worked with, it was devastating.

“I knew his family would be going through all sort of turmoil, along with arranging and paying for the funeral. I thought I could help.

“People can give as many fivers as they like and can come in and have a spar at me. It will be good fun and a chance to raise a bit of cash.”

Mr Jacobs posted on Facebook inviting people to come along and it has since been shared more than 600 times.

He added: “The amount of people the post has reached on Facebook has been amazing. I could get a lot of people coming down so I could be there a long time, but it will all be worth it.

“This is affecting the whole community, so anything we can do to help each other through it will be amazing.”

Anyone wanting to find out more about the fundraiser can visit bit.ly/2KgVWXg.

The JustGiving fundraising page for Ben’s family has raised more than £4,000. To donate to the appeal, visit bit.ly/2M7l04C.