Barrow boxer fights for share of £12,000 for hospice

Ashleigh Jade Mawdsley, aged 22, took part in the Ultra White Collar Boxing event in Preston on Saturday to also raise money for St Mary's Hospice, based in Ulverston.

The wider fundraising event has surpassed £12,000 in donations with Ashleigh's efforts ensuring at least £400 will be going to the hospice so far.

She said: "I laced up my gloves and stepped into the ring to raise money for a cause that’s close to my heart.

"I am raising money for St Mary’s hospice, a hospice which cared for my grandad Michael before he passed away from Mesothelioma."

Ashleigh said she could not stop laughing during the 'intense' face-off before the fight (Image: Ashleigh Jade Mawdsley)

Around 30 people got involved in the boxing event with multiple charities serving as beneficiaries.

Ticket sales went to Cancer Research UK, meaning the unwavering support from people in the northwest has contributed to a worthy cause.

Ashleigh added: "I’m from Barrow myself so wanted to raise the money for a local charity - I'm hoping to raise more over the next weeks following the event.

"Everyone's support means the world to me and to those who benefit from the care provided by St Mary’s - every donation, no matter how small, will make a whole lot of difference to those who use this service."

Ashleigh 'The Firecracker' Mawdsley (Image: Ashleigh Jade Mawdsley)

The hospice thanked Ashleigh for fighting their corner with any donations acting as a vital source of funds for the charity.

Only one-fifth of the funding the hospice receives comes from the NHS meaning that the care of eight out of 10 patients is funded from voluntary donations from the community, such as from Ashleigh's support.

"I wanted to show that we can come together to make a positive impact on the lives of others," Ashleigh explained.

"When we fight together, we can make a real difference."

You can contribute to Ashleigh's fundraiser here.