Carlisle residents stay strong with Amir Khan in their corner amid flood devastation

World champion boxer joins charity volunteers to support the Carlisle community

The gloves were off for two-time World Champion boxer Amir Khan on Saturday (12th December) as he and his Amir Khan Foundation, alongside international charity Penny Appeal, came out to show moral and practical support to the victims of the recent flooding in Cumbria.

After touring the streets of Carlisle and witnessing the devastation at first-hand, Amir waded in with physical support by helping to move residents' furniture and removing water-battered items.

Humanitarian charity Penny Appeal helped organise a solidarity day at the local Greystone Community Centre, where Amir Khan served hot lunch to locals and handed out some early festive presents to young children from the flood-hit area. After offering support at the centre, Amir went back on to the streets to hand-deliver food parcels and hot meals to the elderly and those isolated at home.

Amir Khan said: “It was heartbreaking to see just how the floods have destroyed people's homes, including kitchens, living areas and even things like children's toys. The Amir Khan Foundation wanted to show their support by giving out food and even some new toys to the kids, and remind those affected that they're not alone in dealing with this crisis."

Graham Weber, Greystone Community Centre Manager, added: “Having an icon like Amir Khan here has given the people of Carlisle a real lift – and it's come at just the right time as many homes are still without electricity and gas. The volunteers have been just as brilliant and I can't thank everybody involved enough."

International humanitarian charity Penny Appeal works in the UK as part of its 'Love Thy Neighbour' campaign. Volunteers from the charity, alongside those from Amir Khan Foundation, were present throughout the day offering support and delivering hot meals and food packs – which contained essential items like pasta, rice, sugar, cereal and cooking sauces.

Aamer Naeem, Penny Appeal CEO, added: “The UK community always gives generously when disasters strike overseas, but we recognise that people at home need help too. That's why Penny Appeal is proud to be carrying out essential work in the UK and we're also delighted that we can safely facilitate our network of volunteers who want to get more involved."