Porter packs a punch for children’s charity

Shaun Hill, who works at the hospital, is now on a 13-week countdown to the championship belt match, which he says will be his only competitive fight.

The father-of-two coached at Sheffield Lane Top Boxing Club for ten years, retired last year and says he wants to support the children who are “winning their own personal battles with illness every day.”

He will even be oblivious to his opponent’s identity until fight night.

Mr Hill said: “I’d prefer not to know who I’m fighting against, that way I can train with no apprehensions.

“I’ve had a fair few mock fights, but I’ve only ever coached the kids to compete – I’ve never actually competed myself.

“I wouldn’t be taking part if the match wasn’t for charity, but it’s worth it. Every time I get punched, I will just think of one of the poorly children and it will make me pick myself up and carry on.”

He added: “Working as a porter at the Children’s Hospital allows me to meet all the children and cheer them up when they’re down.”

The fight will be at Bramall Lane on Saturday, November 23. Tickets, costing £10, are available from Sheffield Boxing Centre in Burton Street or by calling 0114 2326513. All proceeds will go to The Children’s Hospital Charity’s ‘Make It Better’ campaign.