Daughter from Essex training for charity boxing match after mum's terminal diagnosis
Samantha is fighting for charity in October, as her mum fights terminal brain cancer
Last updated 27th Sep 2023
In an inspiring display of determination and love, a daughter from Essex is gearing up for a charity boxing match to raise funds for the Brain Tumour Charity. The driving force behind Samantha 's decision is her mum Christine's recent diagnosis of terminal brain cancer.
The charity boxing match, scheduled for Saturday, October 28th, will take place at a leisure center in Hockley, Essex.
Sam has been undergoing rigorous training, with three coaching sessions per week and additional practice sessions with her husband, who is also supporting her journey.
Speaking about her motivations, she told us: "It's definitely something that I'm looking forward to doing. It's something for me to focus on, but it's definitely out of my comfort zone.
"Given the circumstance, I have an amazing reason to keep pushing and to get me there."
Sam's decision to step into the boxing ring was sparked by her mum's diagnosis in May. Witnessing her mother's struggles with radiotherapy and chemotherapy, Sam was inspired to make a difference.
Reflecting on that pivotal moment, she shared, "We knew that she had a brain tumour. She'd had it removed in surgery and we had to wait a few weeks for the tumour to be tested. And when it did come back, we were just all in shock. And it took me weeks and weeks, I'd even say I'm still in shock, but we're definitely starting to process it now."
Sam then decided to make a positive difference, and help people like her mum: "It actually popped up on social media that a gym close to me was doing this," she said. "Straight away I contacted them and said to them would they be happy with me doing it to raise money for my own chosen charity?"
The response to Sam's efforts has been overwhelming. She launched a GoFundMe campaign, and says the support from her community and beyond has been heart-warming. Sam even revealed her mum's pride as she watches her daughter's determination to make a positive impact.
Reflecting on her journey, Sam shared, "There is such intense training. It gives me purpose every time I have a session, even if I don't want to go. Every single time I feel better for it.
"So 100%, anybody going through anything like this, whether it's somebody in your family, your parents, your children, (I'd say) Doing something like this 100% is giving me something to focus on because it's always easier to focus on the negative."
While Sam prepares for the upcoming match, she encourages others to appreciate life's precious moments.
"You never think it's gonna happen to you," she said. "If I could give anybody any advice, it would just be to appreciate every day with your loved ones and just appreciate life - because you just never know what's round the corner."
As the boxing match approaches, Sam told us she's determined to continue to inspire her community, as she fights not only for her mum but for all those affected by brain cancer.
You can donate to Sam's fundraiser here: www.gofundme.com