A TILLICOULTRY man will step into a boxing ring next month in the fight against cancer after facing the tragic consequences of the disease.

Richie Maxwell lost his dad at Christmas of 2016 and has struggled with his grief ever since.

The impact was particularly difficult as the two worked together every day for their business, RDM Elite Builders.

But after a while, Richie became determined to turn his anguish into something a littler more positive, both for himself and potentially thousands of other bereaved families.

The 32-year-old told the Advertiser: “I lost my father to cancer and struggled because we worked together every single day.

"Instead of dwelling on it, I have tried to make other people feel better, which in turn has been making me feel a bit better.”

Richie, who also has a close friend battling the disease, threw a charity ice hockey game last summer and is also part of a DIY group which has helped take his mind off things.

The award-winning bricklayer has now decided to step into the boxing ring in aid of Cancer Research as part of the Ultra White Collar Boxing fundraiser.

Similar events have been held in the past at Alloa Town Hall, with Wee County boxers helping to raised almost £60,000.

Richie added: “My friend, Adam Patterson, runs the gym in Tillicoultry and he suggested that I do something different to get out of my head.

“I’ve been in a few altercations but it’s never come to punching anyone so this is all knew to me.

"I am training a lot just now, not just so I can win the fight, but so I can raise as much money as possible.”

Richie is being coached by Adam and two other trainers, Gary McGuire and Mags Milne, and said the fundraising he has been undertaking has had an extra, more unexpected, bonus.

He continued: “People have messaged me saying they are in the middle of treatment and that they are so happy to see me doing this for the cause.

“It is emotional because I used to be friends with these guys and now we are reconnecting and doing this fundraising together.”

Richie wished to pay a huge thanks to his trainers for helping him get fit for the fight and to all his friends and family for the hard work they are putting in.

He is hoping that everyone who is affected by cancer can make it along to the fight night at the town hall on Saturday, July 7, to make as much money as possible.

To purchase tickets, visit eventbrite.co.uk/e/ultra-white-collar-boxing-alloa-07072018-tickets-45427008405

For those who can't attend, but would like to contribute, donations to Richie's fund can be made at justgiving.com/fundraising/richie-maxwell