A RETIRED boxing writer’s efforts to raise money in memory of his wife are continuing to reap rewards.

Jerry Hjelter has used his contacts from the sporting world to raise more than £1,200 so far after his wife, Janet, a former member of Areley Kings WI, died of cancer in April , aged 62.

At a recent event in Shrewsbury, which Mr Hjelter was compering, former boxer Roddy Doran donated £50 when he heard of the appeal.

The Midlands Ex-Boxers Association donated £250 from its coffers and another £222 has come from donations made by friends of Mrs Hjelter since she died.

Mr Hjelter said: “It just goes to show how popular Janet was. People from the WI and Cleobury Mortimer Bowling Club have sent cheques and loose money to me – it’s great how much they’ve given.”

A secretary for the ex-boxers association, Mr Hjelter said the group “volunteered for the money to come out of their funds”.

He added: “They’re very generous with things like that. The boxing fraternity really has come up trumps.”

Generous mourners at Mrs Hjelter’s funeral donated £535 to the appeal and Priory Park Amateur Boxing Club gave £200.