A GROUP of fearsome ladies are set to battle it out in the ring to raise money for a women’s refuge.

Professional boxer Tommy Jacobs, from Colchester, has organised the Essex Pink Gloves Boxing event in aid of the Colchester and Tendring Women's Refuge.

The 29-year-old will have spent eight weeks putting the women through their paces before the big fight night.

He said: “I used to train a few fighters for other charity events locally.

“It was all inclusive but it was not very female friendly, so you would get quite a few girls sign up but in the first few weeks they would drop out.

“The other charity shows that I was involved in all raised money for national charities but we have not got a clue where that money goes.

“I thought I would pick a female focused charity in Colchester and support them.

“My mum was in and out of the refuge when I was young so it is really important to me.”

The target was to raise £2,000 for the charity, however the team have already smashed that target.

Tommy, who will be competing in the British Masters later this year, says he seen the competitors change since he started training with them.

He said: “I have been boxing since I was 10-years-old, it is basically my life.

“I can see the benefits it brings to them. Some of the messages I have received from the girls have really touched me.

“They all come from different walks of life but some of them have said they never used to walk out of the house before this. It is so rewarding.

“I have got so many girls asking if they can take part in the future. I am planning more events.”

The showcase event takes place at Swinbourne Hall at Colchester Institute on April 8.

Tickets cost £20 and can be bought by calling 07475096532.

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