AN amateur boxing club is teaming up with a family hit by cancer to fight the disease with its first ever charity show.

Spennymoor Boxing Academy has a strong tradition of hosting boxing dinners and shows throughout the 22 years it has been established.

But for the first time it plans to split the proceeds of its next event, at Spennymoor Leisure Centre, County Durham, on Saturday April 6 with a charity through The Neville Anderson Tribute Fund.

The fund was set up by Mr Anderson’s family after the father-of-three, from Oakenshaw, near Willington, County Durham, died of bowel cancer in December 2010 aged 59.

The builder fought cancer for a year and he and his family found Macmillan Cancer Care a great support during that time so the fund raises money for the charity in his memory.

Widow Lynn Anderson said: “We’ve raised about £13,000 so far and I hope to reach £20,000 by the end of the year.

“Neville was a very proud man, he would have wanted to give back to the pot he took from and, like us, help other people with cancer get the help he received.

“Macmillan isn’t just about end of life care they can also help with all sorts.

“We’re delighted the boxing club are supporting our efforts to support Macmillan, Neville was a boxing fan and he had enjoyed their show in the past so would have liked the event.”

The show is billed as an afternoon of Olympic-style boxing with 16 bouts between a Spennymoor elite squad and a North-East select.

Director of coaching, Robert Ellis, said: “Most families are affected by cancer at some time, my dad William died nearly ten years ago from a brain tumour and I have other relatives battling it now.

“Our shows are important for raising money for the club and we’ve raised funds for charities before but really want to do what we can for cancer charities.

“We’re happy to break new ground by running a show in association with The Neville Anderson Tribute Fund to support a great organisation which helps so many people.”

Doors will open at noon with boxing from 1.15pm, ringside tickets are £20 from Mr Ellis on 07968-205043 or pay on the door for outer ring tickets priced £12.