A CAGE fighter is coming out of retirement to raise money for a sick child.

Ian ‘The Machine’ Freeman is returning to the ring to support four-year-old Neve Beattie, who was diagnosed with leukaemia before Christmas.

The mixed martial arts star is fighting Brad ‘The Exile’ Austin in his home town of Stanley in County Durham.

Mr Freeman, 44, said: “Cancer is a terrible thing. I lost my father to brain cancer and it was awful.

“Neve’s mam trains at my gym and when she told me she had been diagnosed I knew I had to what I could to help. It breaks your heart.”

Mr Freeman is also auctioning off sporting memorabilia on his Facebook page.

It is the first time he will be on the same fighting bill as his own children, 16-year-old Kennedy and 22-year-old Ian.

Mr Freeman's fight is one of 17 bouts at the Lamplight Arts Centre in Stanley on April 20 with a percentage of ticket sales going to Neve.

Tickets cost £25-£40 and can be booked by calling 01207-234040.