AN INVERCLYDE gym owner has announced plans to hold a charity boxing match at his gym for good causes close to his heart.

Personal fitness trainer David McGowan, 41, has already raised funds for charity through a series of challenges including a sky dive and a bungee jump.

The dad-of-two from Port Glasgow says around 14 boxers are lined up to take part in the event on November 1.

David, back right, runs McGowan Fitness Training. (Image: Alex Craig)

David, owner of McGowan Fitness Training, said: "This will be the second event I've done, the first was held in March this year for Ardgowan Hospice and it was a massive success.

"I'm holding this one for Bield Housing, Help for Veterans and A Nail in the Fish podcast, who promote men's mental health, well-being and suicide prevention."

These choices are particularly poignant for David, who has suffered his own mental health issues, while his father has Alzheimer's and lives in Bield's Crosshill Gardens retirement housing complex in the town.

He said exercise and fitness is so important to boost mental health and well-being.

David said: "For me personally, it's been life-saving. Without it I wouldn't be here now.

"I just want to give something back to the community."

As previously reported in the Tele, David is also supporting Linda McHaffie, who trains at the gym and who has been selected for the Commonwealth Powerlifting and Bench Press Championships in South Africa.

David worked as a gym instructor in the prison service for 12 years before he decided to set up on his own three years ago.

He said: "It's more like a community rather than a gym, where like-minded people come together to help each other. There's a really good atmosphere."

If anyone wants more information about the November charity event, they can contact David on 07724 810650.