TWO boxing cousins have put their gloves together to say thanks for grants from the Mic Morris Memorial Sporting Trust.

The trust is funded by charity events and fundraisers – including the Mic Morris Torfaen 10k which the Free Press is supporting in a bid to try to attract 500 runners this time round.

As part of our push we will be featuring some of the young athletes who receive support from the trust.

The trust fund has supported athletes with equipment and competition costs, including Commonwealth athlete Ceri Dallimore and Paralympian Gareth Duke.

Welsh champions and Torfaen Warriors boxers Dino Smith and Shane Thomas have also received money towards kit.

Club coach Simon Weaver said both boys were “extremely grateful”.

“The boys are doing fantastic at the moment and travelling all over the world. The fact they get this support so they don’t have to fork out themselves is great. It also says the whole area is behind them as they pursue success on the international stage.”

Dino Smith won the Welsh Youth Championships at 69kg last week and a box-off against fighters a year older to qualify for the British Championships in Scotland next month.

He also fought for GB against Norway on Saturday, although a bad cut to his eye saw him retired in the second round. He is due to fight in the British Championships in two weeks time.

Smith, who fights at 70kg, faced a tough test against 17-year-old home favourite Martin Larsen, but Mr Weaver said he had more than held his own until the stoppage.

Both Smith and his highly-rated cousin Thomas have won gold medals at the prestigious Pirka Cup in Finland.

The 2014 Mic Morris race – in honour of the former police officer and British middle distance runner from Pontypool who died at 24 years in 1983 – will be held on July 20 and we are hoping to attract 500 runners. Organiser Christine Philpott said: This year should be the best one yet."

Application forms are available from Cwmbran Stadium and Pontypool Active Living Centre as well as Christine Philpott on 01633 628936 or via christine.philpott@torfaen.gov.uk