A knockout supporter has stepped into the boxing ring for the first time in his life to raise money.

Neil Rowbotham from Coalbrookbale, near Ironbridge, signed up for a white collar boxing bout to keep himself fit and actually only had six weeks training before his ring walk at The Buttermarket in Shrewsbury.

“The training was brutal,” said Neil. “I’m a 50-year-old bloke and it was punishing. But when you’ve got a great cause to do it for, it really pushes you.”

Neil decided to raise money to help local children and families, after seeing a group in his community called Events in the Dale also raising money.

“Everyone here is aware of and supports Hope House,” said Neil. “The more I got involved with the training and the boxing the more I started to spread the word and raise as much money as possible, and so many people have been really supportive.”

Neil, who works in recruitment, has raised an amazing £2,000 and even got the Top Fundraiser at the event.

“I’ve really enjoyed the challenge and raising the money, and I’m already starting to think about my next big challenge,” he added.

Donate to Neil’s fundraising page