Learning to box and taking part in a charity match while studying has been a challenge close to the heart for Shane Rogers, who decided to give something back and fundraise for a cancer charity.

Little did the University of Chester student know though that stepping out of his comfort zone and into the ring would help raise a staggering £15,000 for Cancer Research UK.

Shane, from Bermuda, has been delighted with the results of his efforts and those of the 31 other amateur fighters, who spent eight weeks learning to box so that they could hold their own at the Ultra White-Collar Boxing event in Chester, in the north west of England, earlier this month.

The well-attended event raised money for Cancer Research UK, a charity that means a lot to Shane, whose mother passed away from cancer in 2020.

“It was a great event to take part in. Learning the new skill of boxing for the last two months, and then at the end showcasing it to friends and family alike for charity, was just out of this world,” he said.

“On the day there were no nerves; it was just total excitement from when I got to the venue, all the way to the end when I got home and my body finally said it was time to rest.

“For all of us who took on this journey, the other 31 fighters and myself, raising £15,000 is still incredible to me. I have done it to help bring awareness and help other families out, so that maybe one day a family doesn't have to lose a loved one to cancer like so many of us have.”

The 22-year-old, who is studying international tourism management, has shown impressive determination both in his studies and by sharing such a positive message with other families after overcoming his own loss.

Tim Brown, deputy head of the department of marketing, tourism and destinations at the University of Chester said: “This is an incredible achievement by Shane, who has gone above and beyond to raise funds to help others.

Dr Brown added: “We’re proud of Shane, he is a credit to the university and we are all delighted by his success.”

Shane feels it has all helped with his studies at the university’s business school as well, and hopes to continue with a master’s degree once he graduates.

“I am doing tourism in the third sector this year and through great teaching and this event I have had first-hand experience on how things are done, putting my lessons into practice – the feeling of doing something like this and hearing the cheering, seeing the smiles but worried looks on my friends and family’s faces. The anticipation of it all is a feeling like no other,” he added.

Cancer Research UK is the world’s leading cancer charity dedicated to saving lives through research, influence and information.

To donate to Shane’s JustGiving page, go to https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/shane-rogers7