Some fights are more personal than others.

In January, as part of Midnight Mayhem at ICE as part of World Gaming Week in Barcelona, I’ll be stepping into the 'squared circle' for the third time.

However this time, I’m fighting for something much bigger than a win.

I’m raising money for The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity because The Royal Marsden helped save my Dad’s life.

My Dad was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and he was one of the lucky few diagnosed early enough for surgery to be an option. He underwent a Whipple procedure as part of his treatment and was cared for by the incredible team at The Royal Marsden.

We know just how differently that story could have ended.

Fifteen years ago, my uncle died from pancreatic cancer. As a family, we have experienced both sides of this disease. We have seen the devastation it can cause, but we have also seen first-hand what early diagnosis, world-leading treatment, research and exceptional care can make possible.

My Dad is still here and that is something I will never take for granted.

It is also why I want to give something back to the hospital that quite literally gave him that chance.

The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity raises money to help its world-leading doctors, nurses and research teams improve the lives of people affected by cancer. That means funding groundbreaking research and life-saving treatments, state-of-the-art equipment and the environments in which patients and their families are cared for.

The impact goes far beyond the people treated at The Royal Marsden itself, with advances made there helping cancer patients across the UK and around the world.

For my family, that work isn't abstract, we have benefited from it and boxing felt like the right way for me to give something back.

Boxing has a very special place in my life. It is how my husband and I met, and I’ve already fought twice in white-collar bouts. I know what it takes to get into that ring. The weeks of training, the discipline, the nerves and, eventually, standing opposite someone who is actively trying to punch you in the face!

So when the opportunity came to fight at Midnight Mayhem, I knew exactly what I wanted this one to mean.

This will be my fight for a cure.

I’ll be fighting to raise awareness of pancreatic cancer, I’ll be fighting in memory of my uncle, I’ll be fighting in gratitude for the people who treated and cared for my Dad and I’ll be fighting to raise as much money as I possibly can for The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, so their teams can continue pushing forward the research, treatments and care that give more families the chance ours was given.

So, if you were ever going to pay money to see me get punched in the face, this feels like a pretty good reason.

Please donate whatever you can. Every pound raised is my way of saying thank you, while helping The Royal Marsden keep doing for other families what they did for mine.

For my Dad, for my uncle and for every family hoping to be one of the lucky ones.

But most of all, for a future where luck has far less to do with it.