On March 17th, I will be stepping into the ring for a boxing match with the White Collar Fight Club, all in the name of raising money for Cancer Research UK in memory of my beloved brother, Riad. I am honoured to be able to raise money for Cancer Research UK in his memory and hope to make a difference in the fight against cancer. 

Riad was just 10 years old when he was diagnosed with Ewing Sarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer that primarily affects children. For four long years, we moved to Paris where we spent the majority of our time living in hospitals and were homeschooled while Riad underwent treatment. Despite his best efforts and the love and support of our family and friends, he lost his hard-fought battle in 2007.

Riad was a bright, energetic boy with a contagious smile and a heart of gold. He touched the lives of so many people and was truly special to me. As a talented karate fighter, he had competed at the national and international levels before his diagnosis forced him to give up the sport he loved.

After my first boxing class, I was hooked and felt a deep connection to Riad through our similar interest in a fighting sport. I think about him every day and feel like I was robbed of a best friend friend, a brother, and the opportunity to be an aunt to his children. His absence is a constant ache in my heart, and I know I am not alone in feeling this loss.

As I step into the ring on March 17th, I will be thinking of Riad and all of the families who have been affected by cancer. I will be fighting for a future where cancer is no longer a threat to the ones we love. Please consider supporting this important cause by making a donation to Cancer Research UK, sharing this donation page and helping to honour Riad's memory. Your generosity will help to fund lifesaving research and bring us one step closer to a cancer-free world. Together, we can make a difference and help to bring hope and healing to families affected by cancer. Riad's spirit lives on through our actions and our help for others in need.

Thank you for your support. 

Riad, this one’s for you.