'˜Epic' boxing marathon in aid of charity

Paul Hillman, from Ollerton, who has been boxing for 15 years and runs the Elite Fight Academy in Boughton, is hoping to take on 100 different contenders for two minutes each, in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support.

The 39-year-old was inspired to take the challenge after the news a local dad, John Loughrey, has been diagnosed with terminal liver cancer.

Paul said: “John has suffered with it for a while and now he’s beyond help and getting care from Macmillan.

“His daughter Michelle, and her partner supported me and the gym when I was starting up. I can only say thank you to them so many times, so wanted to do something to support them – and decided on an epic fundraiser.

“I’ve been touched by cancer myself – two of my grandparents had help from the charity, so it’s close to home.”

Paul will take on his challenge on September 10, vowing to fight for 100 rounds with as many contenders as he can.

He said: “I’m challenging anyone who would like to get involved to come along and take me on for two minutes.

“It’s all in fun – hopefully people won’t be trying to take my head off.”

John Loughrey, aged 56, a former Thoresby miner, has been in surgery four times since he was first diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2014. After his last operation in February on his liver, the father-of-four and grandfather-of-three said doctors gave him the news there was nothing more they could do.

He said: “It was like a bad dream. It was horrible, but I keep going for the grandchildren.”

John currently receives help at home from Macmillan nurses.

He said: “They are invaluable, so it’s great what Paul’s doing. I’m meant to be the first one to beat him up in the ring. I hope people turn out for a really good day.”