AN OFFICE manager will be swapping his suit for boxing gloves and gum shields when he takes part in a tournament in aid of charity.

Rob Gowling, who has not boxed for several years, will be raising money for Cancer Research UK when he gets into the ring at the Rainton Meadows Arena, near Durham, in an event run by Ultra White Collar Boxing.

The 26-year-old, who has undergone an eight-week course for the bout, said: “I used to box when I was younger and last did it as a hobby at university.

“Then a friend of mine, Mick Thompson, set up Mick’s Boxing Gym in Crook and I went along to see what was going on.

“I helped out a little bit with the kids class and I got the bug back.

“I thought it would be a good idea to take part in the UWCB training. For me it was to back into boxing again. I was quite out of shape. I am a lot better than I was.

“Cancer affects everyone, so raising money for research is a good cause to get involved in.”

The heavyweight, who works as business development manager for The Northern Echo in Darlington, will find out today who he will be paired up with for the fight.

He said: “ I have been training six or seven days a week for the last couple of months in preparation. I don’t like getting beat, so I hope I’ve enough to make sure that doesn’t happen.”

Also taking part are his friends Thomas Mooney and Liam Daly. To donate visit

www.justgiving.com/fundraising/rob-gowling