Boxing champion mum takes on a personal challenge to support families raising disabled and seriously ill children

Mum Donna, from Crook in County Durham, had never boxed three months ago. But then she saw a challenge event that would test her in the ring, after only eight weeks of training.

She signed up to an ULTRA White Collar Boxing event in honour of the third anniversary of her son Ryan’s death, aged 17, and won on Saturday 13 April.

Ryan had severe cerebral palsy and was unable to sit up unaided, or speak, and was tube fed. He and his family were supported by us with a grant for family breaks away, where precious time could be spent together. They also received a washing machine to help ease daily household pressures.

Despite having no boxing experience, Donna wanted to give herself a positive focus in the run-up to the anniversary of Ryan’s passing, on 9 April.

Donna has raised over £3,000 so far for Family Fund through her boxing challenge. She explains why she wanted to test herself:

“When I saw a boxing challenge for complete beginners that fell on 13 April- I just knew, yes, I’m going to do that.

“The run up to the date that we lost Ryan is awful for me, much worse than the actual day itself. This was an eight week training challenge leading up to that time. Participants fundraise for this, in order to take part.

“It was meant for me. I have to keep his memory alive. He can’t, and he won’t, ever be forgotten.”

“As soon as I signed up for the fight I knew I wanted to support Family Fund. It’s something close to my heart. I wanted to give a little back to the charity that helped me so much.”

“Because I was the top fundraiser, I got to choose my colours for the fight. It had to be red to represent Manchester United. It was the favourite team of Ryan and Adam, his younger brother, who is now eight. We have the club badge on Ryan’s grave, so it’s very special to us.”

Could you take on a challenge and help provide even more essential grants and services to families like Donna’s?

There are so many ways to help us support families raising a disabled or seriously ill child. Take on your own special challenge, like Donna, or join our team to take part in one of our activities across the UK. However you choose to support us, you’ll be getting grants to families that make a vital difference to life.