By Business CNCT
70-Year-Old Aberdeen Grandfather Steps into Boxing Ring to Support Lifesaving Neonatal Charity 25 August 2026: A retired 70-year-old musician and grandfather from Aberdeen has stepped into the boxing ring to raise over £1,200 for the charity that saved his grandson’s life.
Alan Morrison, 70, who was signed to CBS Records in the 1970s with his band Dekka Danse, took part in an Ultra White Collar Boxing (UWCB) event at the Beach Ballroom in Aberdeen in June.
He did so to raise funds for The Archie Foundation – a charity which aims to transform experiences and outcomes in healthcare and bereavement for local babies, children, and families. Alan supported the charity’s Aberdeen Neonatal Unit.
Alan’s decision to step into the ring as a septuagenarian was driven by a promise to give back to the medical team who cared for his grandson, who was born in 2016 weighing just one pound. Despite his age, Alan refused to let this hold him back.
Alan recalled: “I told myself that when I turned 70, I wanted to do something for the charity that saved my grandson’s life. When he was born weighing just a pound, the Archie Foundation team was absolutely amazing. They were so professional and took his care completely in their stride.”
He continued: “When I signed up, I was a bit apprehensive, but I am in very good shape for my age, and everyone was incredibly supportive. People often thought I was in my 50s until I told them, which was a big compliment!”
As with all UWCB participants, Alan’s safety was the highest priority. Before beginning his training, he completed a comprehensive medical screening that was carefully reviewed and approved by Ultra’s Clinical Director at their head office. To further ensure his wellbeing, Alan underwent a compulsory pre-bout medical examination and was officially declared fit to participate by a ringside paramedic on the day of the event.
Participants like Alan are given the opportunity to take part in eight weeks of free professional boxing training at local gyms to allow them to prepare for the bout and be assessed by professionals – before a showcase event in front of hundreds of spectators. Alan trained at Assassin Health and Fitness Village under the guidance of legendary Scottish boxer Lee “the Aberdeen Assassin” McAllister.
Talking about the preparation, Alan said: “I’d wake up early every Monday and Wednesday to prepare and train. My body was aching at times, but the exercise helped immensely. I would show up an hour early for every session, and the gym was fantastic in supporting me. My coach Lee took me under his wing and made the gym feel like a family and personally ensured I was ready and comfortable to step into the ring. He definitely took my age into account and ensured safety was the number one priority.”
Already a fitness enthusiast, Alan’s commitment to training still paid off – he even knocked 30 seconds off his 1 kilometre running time. Inspired by his son Adam, who completed a UWCB event in 2019 and
transitioned into amateur boxing, Alan embraced every element of the experience, including choosing his ring identity.
Alan chose Don’t Fear the Reaper by Blue Öyster Cult as his walk-out music and took on the nickname ‘The Reaper’. He noted: “When that first guitar riff kicked in on the night, a massive wave of confidence just came over me.”
The atmosphere on the night was electric, boosted by Scottish football fans gathering to watch Scotland’s World Cup fixture later that evening. The crowd broke into chants of “No Alan, No Party” as he
made his entrance to the ring and faced his opponent, Reece Jordan.
Carefully guided by his corner and watched over by a fully qualified referee, Alan paced himself over the three- round contest and secured a magnificent victory.
Reflecting on the event, Alan said: “My initial strategy was to give everything in round one, but Lee talked me into pacing myself. The corner team kept me focused for all three rounds, and getting the win was incredible. Afterwards, we went to the local pub to watch the football, and they even put my gloves and shirt up on display behind the bar.”
Alan was supported on the night by a large group of family, including his sons Adam and Alex, and his sister, brother, niece, and daughter. His parents, aged 94 and 90, cheered him on from home.
Through his efforts, Alan raised £1,250 for The Archie Foundation, far surpassing the £50 target asked of participants.
When asked what advice he would give to others, Alan said: “You’ve just got to go for it while you’re still able. There’s a small gap between being born and leaving the world; grab it by both hands and make the most of it!”
So far, Ultra Events has raised a staggering £45 million for charities across the UK.
For anyone inspired by Alan’s story to take part in Ultra White Collar Boxing, the next UWCB event in Aberdeen takes place later this year.
More information can be found here:
https://ultrawhitecollarboxing.co.uk/locations/aberdeen/ [2]
