I will be competing in an amateur boxing match on the 29th of March at the Metrodome Leisure Complex in Barnsley. This will consist of three 2 minute rounds with a 1 minute break in between. This will be one of the biggest challenges of my life but it's for a good cause: 

On Friday 24th January Tom Van Haaren lost his battle to secondary lung cancer. I had only known him around 2 years but during this time he had help support me during my brother's battle with his own cancer so for that reason Cancer Research is a charity I fully support.

In February 2012 Tom was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma in his right leg, and after months of chemotherapy and radiotherapy in December 2012 Tom underwent major leg reconstruction. Whilst undergoing treatment Tom continued to study and in November 2013 graduated with a 2:1 in his Law degree at Sheffield Hallam University.
 
Unfortunately the cancer in his leg had spread to his lungs and it is with great sadness that I have to say he couldn't win this battle. As you may tell from his story Tom was highly motivated, intelligent and compassionate. His passing had a tremendous affect on me. It is at this point I looked at my own life and knew that he would be dissatisfied with how I was wasting it so changes had to be made hence the foray into combat sports. 2014 was still yet to deal me a succession of blows after this but this has all made me stronger and now I feel it's time to make Tom proud and also this is my way of saying bye to him.   

Cancer truly is a horrid affliction and I hope we may one day beat it. We're coming for you cancer, you had best watch your back!