On the 11th November I’m taking part in a charity boxing event to help those who are trying to overcome the immense bereavement that is commonly experienced after losing a loved one to cancer. 

This charity is super important to me personally. Unfortunately over the years I have lost many beloved family members to cancer. Most recently I lost my Grandmother, Diana to Ovarian cancer, she was so brave throughout and managed to surmount a three and a half year battle after her diagnosis. Despite the horrific reality of the disease she somehow managed to remain stoic throughout, it was rare to see her without a smile on her face and she always remained her generous self; putting others over herself no matter what, even during Covid, where we couldn’t even see her and she had to fight alone.

What makes this all the more tragic is that just before Diana's diagnosis I lost my Grandfather, Tony, to Prostate cancer. Tony was full of life and a complete inspiration for what I would like to be like as both a father and grandfather. He was completely wild in the best possible way and managed to give myself, brother and cousins unforgettable experiences growing up, memories that are irreplaceable and fill me with this amazing feeling of nostalgia to this very day. His battle was intense and short lived. It was devastating to see what happened to him within those 7 weeks and just like my Grandma, he remained strong. My mum believes that what happened to my Grandad had a rippling effect on my Grandma and I couldn’t agree more, making this charity all the more relevant.

Looking at this tragedy in a positive light, it has given me this great sense of gratitude for life itself. I was quite young and without realising it at the time my outlook on life has forever been changed. 

Cancer damages so many lives each year and any donations, no matter how big or small are greatly appreciated and are going towards a great cause.