Staff from builders’ merchant Howarth Timber Group have thrown their hats in the ring for not one but two boxing challenges in aid of Cancer Research UK.

The company’s recent partnership with Cancer Research UK inspired amateur boxers and Howarth employees Jake Brown and James Ibbetson to take part in Ultra White Collar Boxing matches in aid of the charity.

Ultra White Collar Boxing is an opportunity for people with no boxing background to experience the contact sport in a safe environment, while raising money for Cancer Research UK. Since its 2009 UK launch it has become the charity’s biggest fundraiser, raising over £2m alone in 2015.

Mr Brown, maintenance team leader at Howarth Windows and Doors, has been training for several weeks in preparation for entering the ring on 15 April. The audience for the sold-out show at Baths Hall in Scunthorpe is expected to be over 1,500 strong and over £1,000 has already been raised for Cancer Research prior to the event.

He said: “Everyone’s been touched by cancer in some way, so I’m thrilled that the event has raised so much money already for such a worthy cause. I’m overwhelmed by the show of support and only hope that I can put up a good fight for everyone!”

Mr Ibbetson's bout is set to take place on 24 June at Cedar Court Hotel in Wakefield. Howarth’s financial controller will be throwing punches at the boxing event and hopes to raise big money for Cancer Research UK in doing so.

He said: “The eight weeks of training prior to the match are a daunting prospect, but nothing compared to the battle that hundreds of thousands of people in the UK face against cancer. Howarth has put on numerous fundraisers over the past few months and I’m excited to be doing my bit for the charity.”

The budding boxers both have fundraising pages where well-wishers can donate, with proceeds going towards Howarth Timber’s charity partner for the next two years, Cancer Research UK.

You can donate to Jake Brown at: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/jake-brown6, while you can donate to James Ibbetson by visiting: www.uk.virginmoneygiving.com/JamesIbbetson.