MICK TOOMEYMick Toomey, one of Britain's longest-serving boxing promoters, died on 2 September, 2008, at the age of 72.Mr Toomey, from Hull, died suddenly after a long battle with ill health, including heart and breathing problems.Paramedics were called to Mr Toomey's home in east Hull when he collapsed after returning home from a routine hospital check-up. He passed away at Hull Royal Infirmary with his family by his side.Mr Toomey, a father of four and grandfather of three, organised more than 40 charity nights and raised £63,000 through the Hull and District Sporting Club and Toomey Promotions for a number of good causes.Simon Block, the British Boxing Board general secretary, knew Mr Toomey for almost 30 years.Mr Block said: "He was certainly, as far as Hull was concerned, Mr Boxing. He was the Don King of Hull. One of his many achievements was to bring the annual general meeting of the board to Hull in 1993. I am greatly saddened."Mr Toomey stopped attending charity events in 2005, stepping down from his role with the Hull and District Sporting Club, but continued to help with the organisation of other events from his home, which he shared with his wife Norma.His son, Kevin Toomey, said: "Boxing was his life. Some think people are in professional boxing for the money. My dad wasn't a millionaire and was never going to be. He did it for the love of boxing."His daughter, Tracy Toomey-Matthews said: "I'm proud and admire my dad's dedication to boxing and fundraising for local charities, which continued throughout his period of ill health."
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