At the end of 2021 after a long battle with cancer, we lost a dear friend in Ryan Silk. Ryan was a giant, not only in stature but in personality, generosity and humility. 

Ryan was newly married to his rock (his words) Danielle and was father to an amazing boy in Callum. 

5 years ago I took part in a UWCB event as a way of getting to meet people locally. As part of my support team Ryan and Danielle attend the event and cheered on my victory, with Ryan making use of his stature to record the event for Kirsty and myself. At this point Ryan found a real interest in boxing himself and was inspired to take part in a UWCB event. After overhauling his diet and improving his fitness, Ryan’s devotion resulted in a draw after a gruelling 3 rounder. Following his fight and as a result of his new healthier diet, Ryan came to realise that the chronic stomach issues he suffered from for years couldn’t simply be a result of poor diet as he had previously believed. Following tests, he was unfortunately diagnosed with stage 3 bowel cancer. At the same time I was going undergoing the same tests as Ryan due to similar stomach issues. I have a hiatus hernia that can be helped with a tablet a day.

Ryan had bowel cancer. Hardly a day goes by where I don’t think about the magnitude of that and how different things could have been. 

SO.. 5 years on from my first UWCB event, in memory of Ryan, it only seemed fitting that I put on the gloves, lace up my boots and do him proud by raising awareness and funding for cancer research. In his final weeks, Ryan was passionate about spreading the message, particularly to young men, that if something doesn’t feel right, get it checked! There is no shame or embarrassment if it saves your life and prevents your loved ones going through the heartbreak Danielle, Callum and all Ryans family and friends have had to endure.

Please I ask anyone to to donate what they can, even if it’s £1, it all goes to aid in the battle against this disease