A CLEVEDON man who has never stepped foot in a boxing ring has signed-up to a Zero to Hero boxing challenge to raise money for charity.

Tommy Gibson began a 10-week training programme last month and will take part in his first ever fight on March 23.

The 32-year-old, who recently set up his own company called One Stop Marketing, is one of a number of other men who have signed up to Zero for Hero, including two of his friends, also from Clevedon, Luke O’Brien and Joe Woodman.

The contest is aimed at recruiting people who have very little boxing experience to take on the challenge of an intense fitness and training programme before a fight-night extravaganza in Bristol.

Split into a red team and a blue team, the participants are led by professionals from the world of boxing and martial arts, Andy Cleeves, who runs The Fitness Hub in Portishead, and Jake O’Hagen.

Tommy hopes to raise at least £1,000 for the Make a Wish Foundation, which grants wishes for seriously ill children.

The 32-year-old said: “I have chosen this charity as these sick children should inspire us to fight harder in life as they do and they deserve a wish to come true as recognition for the fight and spirit they show.

“Lets club together and all help a sick child - I’m putting my body on the line so please dig deep.

“I would love to reach £5,000 and I’m sure with support from every reader we can achieve this.”

Tommy will also be taking part in the contest in memory of his sister, Anna Marie, who died nine years ago from cancer just six weeks after giving birth to her son Jacob.

To sponsor Tommy visit the webpage www.justgiving.com/Thomas-Gibson4