Boxing champ's glove raises £200 for cancer fight
A boxing glove signed by unified world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua has raised £200 for a charity which provides lifesaving cancer tests.
The glove raised £200 for Shropshire Prostate Cancer Support Group in the latest charity auction organised by former boxing champion Richie Woodhall.
Richie, who lives in Telford, has raised thousands of pounds for cancer charities since he started holding the auctions in 2015.
The auction was held at Halls in Shrewsbury on Wednesday.
The money would cover the cost of 11 tests for prostate cancer, which could potentially lead to early detection and lifesaving treatment.
The charity helps pay for hospital equipment in the county, and operates a telephone helpline for men with the disease.
Richie said the charity was particularly close to his heart because his father Len died from prostate cancer in 2015.
"I'm really thrilled, that could potentially save 11 people," he said.
He said Joshua, whose weekend win over Joseph Parker added the WBO world heavyweight title to his IBF, WBA (Super) and IBO belts, had been only too pleased to help the fundraising effort.
Ian Bolingbroke of Shropshire Prostate Cancer Support Group said the money would make a real difference.
He said that last week the charity sponsored a testing session at Anstice Hall in Madeley, and the turnout was excellent.
"Men find it easier to go to someone who is not their family doctor, they feel less inhibited," said Mr Bolingbroke.
"It's really great that we will be getting this money.
"If we save just one man's life it is worthwhile."
Mr Bolingbroke is only too well aware of the importance of testing, having himself being diagnosed following a test in 2009.
"In my case it was spotted early before it had spread, and I was able to be treated with keyhole surgery," he said.
The charity has sponsored cancer testing events across the county.
Last week's event, which was organised by Ironbridge Lions and Rotary clubs, was attended by more than 700 men. About 25 had to be sent home because organisers ran out of testing kits. A follow-up session is planned for some time this month.
Richie had promoted a session held in Madeley last year, which saved the life of one Shropshire man.
Harold Taylor, from Coalbrookdale, was diagnosed with prostate cancer after attending the event at Jubilee House.
He is now in recovery after a course of radiotherapy.
