A HEYBRIDGE IT worker is preparing to face a new challenge has he steps into a boxing ring to raise money for a cancer charity.

Ryan Grant, 25, will be taking part in a charity boxing match at Chelmsford’s White Collar Boxing event on April 2, raising money for Cancer Research UK.

It’s a step into the unknown for Ryan, who describes his only other fighting experience as a scrap in the playground in Year 6.

Ryan said: “I am extremely nervous about it, but I reckon it will be fun. I am not exactly what you would call a fighter, but one of my friends from work has done it before, and so has my brother, it got mentioned to me and I’m not very good at saying no.

“You have to sell a certain amount of tickets, which are £20 each, and raise a certain amount of donations to take part.”

Ryan has been sneaking in some early sessions ahead of eight weeks of training after seeing the competition he may be facing.

He added: “When I turned up to the meeting with the other people who had signed up I was one of the smallest people there.

“Working in IT, behind a desk all day, I don’t get much chance to exercise, so I can do with all the extra help I can get. Some would say that couldn’t hurt, but after a few sessions I can tell you it can.”

Cancer Research UK is a cause close to Ryan, who has seen family suffer as a result of the disease.

He said: “Cancer is a horrible thing, it affects everyone. We all know someone who has suffered as a result of cancer. The sooner we can wipe it out the better.”

To donate, visit justgiving.com/fundraising/Ryan-Grant4.