I'm taking part in the Ultra White Collar Boxing match at the Barbican in York on the 23rd of April, raising money for Cancer Research UK in the process. I have decided to do this in honor of my Grandfather.

My Grandfather, Mike Bates, died from advanced Metastatic Cancer on Christmas Eve 1997, when he was just 52 years old. I never had the opportunity to get to know him and this has always upset me, as from descriptions of him and his personality, I'm sure we would have had a grandparent/grandchild relationship to be envious of. 

I've never boxed before, had never even considered it, and still don't even watch it or really know anything about it. But I'm training hard and for the good cause that is Cancer Research UK, I'm happy to take a hit! So whilst I take a hit to the face, please consider a small hit to your bank balance to support this exceedingly worthy cause.