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On 4th June 2016 I will be taking part in The Rock White Collar Boxing event in aid of Mind Jersey.

Even writing that down makes me feel a little bit sick. With 10 weeks to go before this crazy idea becomes a reality, I am feeling excited but pretty apprehensive. Between now and then I will face an intensive 10 weeks of gruelling training, strict diet, and blood, sweat and tears. I am hoping that with the help of The Rock's amazing coaches, I will be ready to step into the ring in front of an audience of 7-800 people and face three rounds of boxing without total humiliation!

So why did I decide to take on this challenge? 18 months ago I decided to take control of my health and fitness and signed up for an early morning bootcamp with Ryan Hodgson and Craig Culkin. At the time, I didn't know if I would be able to stick with it or if it would help me to lose weight and improve my fitness levels. It did. With the help of Ryan, Craig, Dean Price (my awesome PT who tragically died in May last year) and the other trainers at Fitbody, I have lost 28kg and am probably the fittest and strongest I have ever been (although that's not saying much!).

I was looking for a new goal to work towards. When I heard about the opportunity to take part in the White Collar Boxing in aid of a charity which helps so many to face mental health difficulties in their lives, I thought this would be a fantastic challenge in aid of a hugely valuable cause. As a teacher, I am always saddened to see how many of our young people desperately need help to overcome mental health challenges. Anything we can do to support mental health charities has got to be worth it. Even if it means taking a few punches!

I'd like to say I'm doing this in honour of my amazing, beautiful Mum and in part that's true, but I'm not really sure what she would have made of it. She always loved a challenge and since we lost her decades before we should have, not a day has passed without me thinking of her and wanting to do her proud. I think she would have thought I'm a little bit crazy, but then she probably always thought that anyway! And she'd have been worried about me getting hurt. She needn't worry about that though. So far, I haven't taken a single punch (although I've not actually sparred against an actual person yet - punch bags are great for not hitting back!).

So, if you're still reading after all of that, I would be so grateful if you could sponsor me in this challenge. Whether you want to support me, see me get knocked out or just help a valuable cause, your contribution would be greatly appreciated. Thank you. x

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