Buckinghamshire veteran becoming a boxer for SSAFA

22 March 2024

Who does not like a challenge? Ben Targett does, which is one reason why he decided to spend the last several weeks training for his first ever boxing match.

The former soldier will be boxing at Planet Ice in Milton Keynes this Saturday 23 March in an event organised by Ultra White-Collar Boxing, and he will be raising funds for SSAFA.

Originally from Buckinghamshire, Ben served with the East and West Riding Regiment – part of the-then Territorial Army – in Yorkshire while he was at university from 2001 to 2005. He also spent 22 years with Buckinghamshire ACF as a Cadet Force Adult Volunteer, leaving that role last September. Throughout Ben’s time as a serviceman and a volunteer he witnessed the critical help that SSAFA provides.

Ben added: “While I was serving, SSAFA was able to help some of the soldiers I served with when they were mobilised for Iraq. More recently, veterans I have met through the ACF have been given support in their transition into civilian life, with assistance in gaining skills and qualifications.”

Outside of training to get punched repeatedly, Ben enjoys driving around the UK in his campervan with his dog Soli. His employer, Transit Custom Campers Ltd, has graciously agreed to send the top 20 donors to Ben’s fundraising page to the event as VIP guests. VIPs get to enter a half-hour early and enjoy an exclusive area with a separate bar.

At 43 years old Ben has never boxed before, but he wanted to push his physical limits and do something new. He has been training four days a week since January with a regimen of fitness workouts, training drills, and sparring. His fight will be one among several other first-time “white-collar boxers” all participating for charity, so be sure to come along for the full night of fun!