Thank you so much for visiting my page.

Why would a 47 year old, sedentary construction director want to face the ultimate challenge of taking part in a boxing match? Let me explain: It somehow came about after our Caxton's Christmas 'do'. With copious amounts of alcohol, banter amongst our colleagues, and egos to challenge, it was decided that both directors of Caxton's would take part in a boxing match. In the cold light of day, hopes were that it would be forgotten, but of course this wasn't the case, #Battle of the Johns was born. If we were to battle it out in the ring, the only thing to do was to dedicate this fight to charity.

I want to dedicate my charity funds in memory of my mother-in-law, mum No. 2, Pat Swindale.

Pat was following my training in earnest, especially when she was admitted to hospital,with a broken hip, following her fall in March. She bought me a Rocky Balboa t-shirt for Christmas and I wear it every time I train. At each visit, she would raise her arthritic ridden, clenched fist and ask how my training was going.

After her fall and operation, Pat spent time recovering in a number of wards, and then finally on to the Dale Hall, Chatterley Ward of the Haywood hospital where she received her end of life care. The staff on this ward were amazing and we want to thank them in the only way we know how, by raising money to help other families.

In June of this year, Pat sadly passed away. Although this was the saddest of times, we shared some lovely memories on this ward.
Before she was admitted we knew that there was nothing that could be done to save her. The amazing staff at the Haywood went out of their way to make mum's stay as comfortable and lovely as possible.
One of the rooms on the ward was set up for patients to reminisce and mum had one of her best days taking a trip down memory lane to 'Blackpool'. Props and pictures helped to set the scene.
We want to be able to add to this room, however the ward choose to set it out. Such simple things really make a difference. We laughed and shared some lovely, truly memorable moments here.

We would also like to help other relatives in their darkest hours. The staff were amazing on the ward, but they can't help with the long hours spent there. We would like to provide some comfortable chairs, anything to help make this time more bearable. One of the rooms is also set up for families to stay over or to freshen up. We would like to add some more facilities for this in mum's memory.

We hope that your donations will help other families to face their darkest hours in comfortable surroundings so that they can concentrate on spending time with their loved ones. Sometimes being at home is not an option, but it doesn't mean that it can't be comforting.

Thank you x