A woman who was diagnosed with cervical cancer aged 35 is raising money for research by stepping into the boxing ring. Kelly Griffiths, an immigration officer from Clydach in Swansea, said she initially lost confidence and motivation after having a hysterectomy.
Just months after being diagnosed, her 56-year-old mother, Alison, was told she had breast cancer. Both are now in remission following treatment and Ms Griffiths is taking the opportunity to try something new.
She has signed up for an Ultra White Collar Boxing charity event to raise money for Cancer Research UK. The programme offers amateurs the opportunity to take part in eight weeks of free boxing training before a showcase event in front of hundreds of spectators.
Those taking part are asked to sell tickets for the show and raise at least £50. In total, organiser Ultra Events has raised a staggering £24 million for Cancer Research UK.
Ms Griffiths said her diagnosis in November 2017 and the subsequent surgery affected her in many ways. "People think the surgery is the end of it, but in my case it changed my body, my hormones and I lost motivation, confidence and gained weight", she said.
"Even now I struggle with these things. When I saw an advert for Ultra White Collar Boxing on Facebook I just knew I had to do it. Boxing was not something I've done before but I always liked the thought of doing it, of doing something for myself, something that would hopefully get me motivated, help me lose weight and get fit."
Ms Griffiths, mother to nine-year-old son Finley, has so far raised £170 and hopes to gain more donations by circulating an email at work. She signed up in January and is due to compete at Swansea's Liberty Stadium on April 2.
Although her family initially thought she was "completely nuts" for embarking on the challenge, Ms Griffiths has been putting in the hours at the gym and at home. She said it has been helping her mentally as she has experienced some periods of depression.
She added: "It's going really well. I'm the least fit out of the whole group which was incredibly daunting. During the first session, I was sweating profusely and one of the girls I was training with didn't break a sweat, so I was thinking 'what have I done?'.
"Every time I'm due to train, I have a great deal of anxiety but when I come out I'm absolutely on top of the world. The depression is ongoing, it's never a million miles away. I manage it, but this is definitely helping."
On her big night in the ring, Ms Griffiths will be cheered on by her partner of three and a half years, Debbie, and nine other friends and family, including her twin sister Mandy.
She added: "When I heard about 1,000 people will be watching, I nearly lost my stomach. As long as I can say I've given 100 per cent effort, I'm happy with that.
"I'm literally the most unfit person but it doesn't matter – do it for yourself. It's just the most invigorating experience.”
More Ultra White Collar Boxing events across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland are due to take place this year to raise money for Cancer Research UK. Find out more here.
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