Plymouth cancer sufferer in boxing bout

A young man who was diagnosed with cancer at just 21 years old took part in a charity boxing match for his friend who also had the condition - but he did not live to see him compete.

Jamie English, now 24, was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma three weeks after his mentor of almost a decade, Dave Ireland, had been given just six months to live.

But Jamie, a plasterer, did not let his illness bring him down and continued playing rugby and football while receiving chemotherapy.

He then decided to raise money for Cancer Research UK by taking part in a bout for Dave which was organised by Ultra White Collar Boxing.

The event was delayed by the pandemic and sadly Dave passed away at the age of 63 just weeks before seeing Jamie compete.

Now Jamie has vowed to continue raising money for charity and compete again in Dave’s memory.

Ultra White Collar Boxing participants are given eight weeks of free professional training before taking part in a showcase event in front of hundreds of spectators.

Those who compete sell tickets for the show and are asked to raise at least £50 for Cancer Research UK.

So far, Ultra Events - the company behind UWCB - has raised a staggering £23 million for Cancer Research UK.

Jamie, of Bluebell Street, Plymouth, said: "The winning doesn't matter - it's about raising awareness and showing people if I can do it and I've had cancer, then anyone can stand up and do it.

"My diagnosis was a shock, but I did not let it get me down. If you get upset about it, it's only going to let the cancer win.

"My friend Dave is the main reason I did the bout. If it wasn't for lockdown he would have been there on the night.

"They told him he would only last six months, but he managed to last a year and a half. He fought hard."

Dave, who trained Jamie as an apprentice when he was just 16 years old, went to the doctor with a bad back, but was then diagnosed with mesothelioma which was asbestos related.

Three weeks later, Jamie noticed a lump in his neck which he thought was a rugby injury but went to get it checked out to be safe - the following week he too was starting cancer treatment.

He said: "Throughout Dave's treatment I would call him and visit him. We knew what we were both going through so you felt sorry for the other person.

"But he was like me and wouldn't let it get him down."

Despite having no boxing experience, Jamie then signed up for the UWCB match in Plymouth.

He trained at the Masters Academy in the city where he made many friends who he still spars with today.

Although he found training 'especially' hard as the chemotherapy had long lasting effects, he said it was 'all worth the pain'.

Jamie ran out to “Gotta Love Today” by Mika at the Guildhall, pulling party poppers and throwing sweets and a beach ball at the crowd while 30 friends and family watched on.

He continued: "Dave would have walked out with me. Afterwards, I got everyone to raise a glass to him - I loved every minute of it."

Jamie, who married nursery worker Denel three months ago won his bout and he raised £150 for Cancer Research UK.

The couple are now expecting their first son in March - which coincided with Jamie's next bout - but he will be back in the ring as soon as he can.

Jamie, who works for at Steve Turton Plastering Contractors in Plymouth, added: "I'm going I'm going to run out the next time I compete to his favourite song – “Rockin' All Over the World” by Status Quo - with his name on my shirt."

The next Ultra White Collar Boxing event takes place in Plymouth on June 18 and training starts in the week commencing April 25.

Anyone thinking of signing up can visit: https://ultrawhitecollarboxing.co.uk/locations/plymouth/