KIND-HEARTED boxers packed a punch to help a brave toddler battling cancer.

The third Essex Pink Gloves event at Colchester Institute raised more than £5,000 for Breya Ward.

The three-year-old has Stage 4 neuroblastoma and her parents, Holly Robinson and Ollie Ward, a sergeant with the Second Battalion of the Parachute Regiment in Colchester, are raising money for her to receive specialist treatment in America.

The boxing event was an all-female affair and the women who took part received eight weeks of training from Colchester professional Tommy Jacobs.

They were then matched according to weight, fitness and ability and with 38 woman signing up, it made for an exciting night of 19 bouts.

All were closely contested and made for great viewing.

Mr Jacobs said: “The vast majority had never set foot in a gym, let alone a boxing ring, so it was daunting for them to put on a pair of gloves and head guard and box in front of a packed crowd.

“They came from all walks of life.

“Some were wives of soldiers and signed up to help as they knew the family.

“Others were teachers, accountants, councillors and retail workers, among other professions. All had one thing in common as they were there to help raise money for little Breya.

“In addition to helping someone less fortunate, they all got fitter, lost weight and made new friends.

“After each of the bouts, the girls embraced and were overwhelmed by the huge cheers.

“Aside from the odd draw, the winners were announced but not one of them was a loser as they’d all stepped out of their comfort zone and worked so hard.”

The event, which also featured a raffle and auction, took place at Colchester Institute.

Little Breya is now close to having the funds needed for her specialist treatment.

A men’s boxing event is set to take place soon to help the family reach their milestone.

Details of the next Pink Gloves event are also being announced soon and will raise money for Colchester youngster Mykie Perkins, who was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer, in October.

To sign up, or for more details, see the Essex Pink Gloves Boxing page on Facebook.