Knockout total raised for Cancer Research UK by Kilnhurst boxer

Darren Parker of Kilnhurst who fought in the white collar boxing show at Bramall Lane to raise money for Cancer Research UK, pictured with his sister Karla Hitchens (9) who was inspired by him and made and sold notepads and pencils which raised £131 for the charity. 171187

Plucky 28-year-old joiner Darren Parker, of Newsham Road in Kilnhurst, took part in a boxing bout despite never having taken part in the sport before.

He decided to donate £290 of his £2,245 total to the Bradley Lowery Foundation after being inspired by the bravery of young cancer battler Bradley, whose funeral was held on Friday.

Darren donated the rest of the sponsorship proceeds for exploits in the ring on Saturday to Cancer Research UK.

His nine-year-old sister Karla also helped out by selling loom bands, toys and decorated notebooks online and to her pals at Brookfields Primary School, raising £150.

Darren made it to the third fight in the fight event at Bramall Lane, which was organised by Ultra White Collar Boxing UK, before bowing out.

His mum mum, Dawn Hitchens, said that she had been impressed with her son’s prowess in the ring — and believed he might have a taste for more.

“It was his first fight and he got in the ring with a man who was six foot something,” she recalled.

“At the end of the event he didn’t have a scratch on him.”

Dawn added: “He’s quite happy with what he has done and what he has raised. and all his family and friends were behind him.

“I believe he will do it again.”