BOXING CLEVER WITH CHARLIE WRIGHT

Fencing contractor Charlie Wright is preparing to step into the ring for a white-collar charity boxing match! The 45-year-old founder of Lincolnshire-based Front Row Fencing is raising funds for leukaemia and cancer research through the event at Newark Showground this December.

“I’m currently in training for the event,” Charlie explained. “It’s hard going, but I’m hoping to raise as much as possible for the two charities.

“My niece was recently diagnosed with leukaemia, and I decided I had to do something to help out. Every penny helps when it comes to finding a cure for these horrible conditions.

“It’s certainly given me a newfound respect for the work boxers put in, although my wife and business partner, Louise, isn’t best pleased! Hopefully, I’ll come through it unscathed!”

A Rugby Legacy and a Fencing Career

Charlie founded Front Row Fencing in 2006, naming the company after the position he played for many years at Market Rasen & Louth Rugby Club.

“I’m a loose head prop and, whilst I don’t play very often these days, I do hope to turn out in the same team as my son Thomas in a few years’ time in senior rugby!”

Charlie’s journey into fencing wasn’t planned:

“I didn’t go looking for a career in fencing—it found me. After several years doing all sorts of jobs and a spot of travelling, I decided to make the break and set up on my own 18 years ago. I’ve not looked back since, and it’s a job that gives me a lot of satisfaction.”

Family and Team Support

Today, the business employs four people: two field workers, Wayne and Mark, who have been with Charlie for years, and Louise, who handles quotes and paperwork.

“We wouldn’t be where we are without Louise. She’s probably more important to the business than I am!”

While Charlie has spent less time on the tools recently, he’s been busy helping his family:

“This year, I’ve been making ice cream in the family business to allow my sister to concentrate on being with my niece.”

Fencing Excellence and Competitions

Front Row Fencing focuses on stock and agricultural fencing, with some commercial and domestic work.

“The vast majority of our work is within a 20-mile radius of Market Rasen. It’s a small community, and word spreads fast if you do a good job,” Charlie added. The company operates with equipment like the Protech Evo, Solo Netter, and a mini skidsteer.

Charlie is also a regular in the fencing competition scene. Over the years, he has competed in events like the Driffield Show, Tornado events at Malvern, and the APF event, where he and Luke Gibson from Farm Fence Solutions (USA) took first place in the Gripple Speed Fence and third in the British Open.

He often travels to the Fall Fence Forum in Indiana with colleague Wayne, achieving notable results, including a first-place win.

Giving Back to the Industry and Community

As a board member of both the AFA and AFI, Charlie is committed to improving the fencing sector:

“I’m always trying to put something back into the industry with events like the AFI Best Practice days, which are proving increasingly popular. This industry has been good to me, and I’m keen to make sure it’s in the best possible place.”

He is equally passionate about his local community, remaining active at the rugby club as a coach for his son’s under-10s team.

“I miss playing, but I’ve always got the boots ready should I get the call!”

A Knockout Challenge

First on the agenda, however, is the boxing match.

“I’m looking forward to getting in the ring!” Charlie concluded.

When it comes to embracing life and new challenges, few are as tough, resilient, and selfless as Charlie Wright. Here’s wishing him a knockout performance at Newark in December!

You can donate towards Charlie’s fundraising boxing match by visiting: shorturl.at/72RZE.