Boxers Burden and Murray appointed as Craig's Heartstrong Foundation ambassadors

Pair aim to raise awareness of Manx charity

Manx charity Craig’s Heartstrong Foundation has appointed two of the Island's renowned boxers as ambassadors.

Jade Burden and Tom Murray aim to raise awareness and encourage others to take part in the free heart screenings the charity provides.

Craig's Heartstrong Foundation was established in memory of Craig Lunt - a 25-year-old footballer who died 20 years ago of an undiagnosed heart defect. 

Each year it hosts heart screenings for young people between 14 and 35 years of age - and last month installed its 600th defibrillator on the Island.

Through their ambassadorship, both boxers will be giving others in the UK the idea to have defibrillators in local boxing gyms, sports arenas and local communities with word of mouth.

Both Jade and Tom have strong links to the charity. 

Craig's Heartstrong Foundation says: 'Jade, also known as "The Grenade," has made a significant impact in the boxing world with her impressive skills and has a Professional Record of 2-0-0, having won her first two professional fights.

'From an early age Jade would be on the sidelines at Corinthians men’s football games, in which Craig was playing, showing everyone how skilful she was with a football, she then became a huge force for Corinthians women’s team winning everything possible with them.

'Tom Murray has also made an impression representing the Island, boxing for Manx ABC in the amateur ranks. Competing at the elite level across the North West of England, Tom is looking forward to the busy season ahead, with an upcoming home show at the Villa Marina in November, as well as the Regional Championships early next year.

'Tom is brother of local footballer and Charity secretary Luke Murray and is already supporting the foundation with their logo on his shorts.'

Charity Chairman Paul Healey BEM says: “We are delighted to be appointing two well know local sports persons as our ambassadors at the start of what will be exciting careers for them. We have carefully chosen both Jade and Tom not only for their profiles but also their already strong links to the Charity. 

"Anything they can do by reposting on socials and speaking to locals and members of UK clubs about what the charity does will not only benefit us but also other places in the UK that don’t know about the importance of heart screenings and life saving defibrillator machines. I know they are both very proud to have been asked and we can’t wait for them to get started”.

Jade, whose next fight is due to take place next month against Sydney Chambers, says: “It’s a real privilege to have been asked to be an ambassador for the Craig Heartstrong Foundation. I’m proud to support the incredible work they do, and I look forward to helping raise awareness and contributing in any way I can.

Tom says: “It was a huge honour to be approached about the role, as I have seen first hand what a difference the team are making in our community. I am made up to be a part of the team, as I think this is a great opportunity to shed more light on a very important topic that may be easy to overlook.”

You can find more information on the charity and donate through its website at www.craigsheartstrongfoundation.co.uk