Duo are real ‘knock outs!’

Jemma learnt about the event from the press which urged people from local businesses to take part. Hosted by NI Live Events, the competitors have now three weeks training before the big night. There will be a full live five camera video mix during the event and more than 1,000 tickets are expected to be sold.

Jemma was only interested in sponsoring/promoting the event and arranged a charity night with her colleague Sarah wilkinson for Zumba at her gym Causeway Route2fitness. However after a few people dropped out Jemma, and her friend, Alana have agreed to ‘step in the ring’.

“I was keen to help raise the funds and go and watch Sarah to cheer her on to have a night out but things turned around a bit,” she explained.

“There were a few numbers dropped out and teams were uneven on the females side so myself and Alana Hamill, a recruitment officer, were asked to come to the rescue.

“The money is for a very good cause. However never would I have ever imagined doing this. I am so nervous about going into the ring and also concerned about how time consuming training will be over the next few weeks – this is the real bootcamp stuff!

“We are playing catch up with the rest of the group due to missing out a few weeks. There will be a lot of people watching us which scares the life out of me. I have been finding it very hard to hit back at the components as a few of us know each other and were apologising etc at the start but after suffering quite a few blows the the face recently it is starting to iron the problem out a bit.

“I just want to try and stay on my feet and get it over with - it is certainly not staged! The punches are very real unfortunately and we have seen nosebleeds, knockouts, tempers and teary eyes - the lot!

“I am hoping to gain a lot from this experience. I do lots of spin biking at the moment and im finding this a huge strain on the upper body compared to what im used to doing. I think it’s an amazing opportunity to get people together and raise money.

“My friends and family have given me outstanding support and sponsorship for the Children With Cancer Fund. I want to thank everyone for their generous donations.”

For further information on White Collar Boxing Night contact NI Live Events on facebook or [email protected] . If anybody would like to donate money for Jemma contact her on 07872511258. All donations will be greatly appreciated.