A MAN from Rhyl has raised more than £25,000 for Cancer Research UK through four boxing matches – and next plans to climb Mount Kilimanjaro in aid of the charity.
John Atherton, 37, was inspired to help the organisation after his mother, Cheryl, was diagnosed with stage four cancer in 2021.
It was after Cheryl’s diagnosis that John learnt about Ultra White Collar Boxing, an organisation offering free training in the sport, culminating in a charity match.
Through this, John fought – and won – on four occasions at Chester Racecourse, despite having no previous boxing experience.
His mother, meanwhile, has since been given the all-clear.
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John said: “Mum’s still alive; she’s just taking medication now for the next 10 years, and has check-ups every six months.
“The events are amazing, and the support was always 100 per cent from everyone.
“I wanted to thank all of my sponsors for backing me, from Bow FC, to G Sheard Plastering, to the Gronant Inn. Over two years, I've had over 50 sponsors, so I thank them all.
“I've decided to hang my gloves up and do bits for other charities – I have a charity night on May 31 at Rhyl rugby club with comedian Frankie Allen in aid of Ty Gobaith Children's Hospice.
“I chose Ty Gobaith because my brother’s niece passed away at a young age, and they helped her a lot before she died, so I thought it’d be nice to do something for them. They seem like an amazing charity.”
John said he is now Chester Racecourse’s “all-time top fundraiser”, and looks forward to another charity effort in the form of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro next June.
He was invited to take this on by Cancer Research, and was only too happy to accept the challenge.
“Kilimanjaro is something I’m really passionate about doing as another big fundraiser,” John added.
“I’ve enjoyed just doing something good for the community, and for people who have suffered.
“I did it for my mum because I thought, while she’s fighting cancer, I’ll fight to raise money.
“I’ve lost a few other relatives and friends along the way to cancer, so it’s nice to give back a little.”
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