Tameside resident to take on boxing match for charity

A Tameside woman will be stepping into the ring this summer to raise money for local mental health charity Andy’s Man Club. 

Zoe Heselton, 37, will be taking part in an Ultra White Collar boxing event this July, with the hopes of raising £500 for the Ashton-based charity. 

The mum of two says she is looking forward to the challenge, but knows it will be a tough test: 

“I generally have good fitness but feel this is a huge test for me taking on white collar boxing.  

“I’m only 5”1 and weigh less than 50kg but I’m determined to train hard and reach fight night in shape and ready to go.” 

When asked about why she chose Andy’s Man Club as her charity, Zoe said: 

"I first came across Andy's Man Club initially through social media but since have seen AMC literally everywhere.  

“I also have a friend who attends their sessions every Monday and it's helped him massively with his mental health, he's taking positive steps towards a happier future.  

"In my family just like most other normal families in the UK, we have mental health issues present, and some of them are men, I appreciate it’s tough to talk as a man but feel that AMC has really lifted the lid on the stigma associated with men’s mental health and AMC is proving successful in its powerful movement." 

"I chose boxing to help raise some further awareness because a lot of men (and women) but definitely men enjoy the sport.  

“Another reason is most men fight every day in some way or another, whether it be family, work, or inner demons so I thought I'd put on the gloves and fight for them for once." 

“I'm extremely excited to be participating in UWCB, what I’m not too thrilled about is getting punched in the face, it’s not something I’ve ever really enjoyed or wanted but I suppose it’s now going to be an occupational hazard for a while.  

“It’s going to be a huge test both mentally and physically but feel like it’s something I need to do." 

Although Zoe has the support of most of her family and friends, she says there are a few who don’t think she will see the fight through, and she is keen to prove those wrong: 

“My household know how serious I’ve taken this, but some of my family, friends, and work colleagues don’t think I will see it through, and this is fuelling my desire to do so even more.  

“My mum won’t talk much about it as I think she’s afraid of me getting hurt, or most likely she thinks I’m losing the plot!" 

The primary education worker has been training extremely hard over the past few weeks to ensure she is ready for the fight, which will take place on the 6th of July in Manchester: 

“My eight-week boot camp started a few weeks ago, this involves two evening classes per week that consist of boxing techniques, fitness, footwork, and sparring sessions. 

“The training hasn’t been too bad so far, my diet has been the hardest test- not just having to cut down on my bread, white potatoes and most of all chocolate but learning to eat more of what I need.  

Despite the setbacks, Zoe is determined to succeed, and she believes she has what it takes to win the fight: 

"Whenever I set myself a goal, I do what I need to do to achieve this, for instance I scraped through when I was in high school, and it wasn’t until I hit my 30s, I decided to go back and become an adult learner.  

“In 2022 I achieved my goal, graduated university, and received my Teaching degree." 

"The date of July 6th is Fastly approaching, and I do feel a bit nervous, but I tend to work well and perform at my best when I’m under pressure.  

“I'm sure it will hit me when family & friends start to buy tickets for the event, and I really want to do them proud.” 

So far, Zoe has raised just under £400 of her £500 target, and donations will continue to be taken right up until the event, on her JustGiving page. 

To donate, just search: ‘Zoe’s fundraiser for Andy’s Man Club’ on the JustGiving website.