A boxing couple have raised an astonishing amount of money to help in the fight against cancer.

Sally and Colin Lewis run the Lions Thai boxing gym in Watford and recently held an eight-week crash course camp to train their recruits ready for a day of sparring in the ring.

Rather than paying for the course, the 80 male and female amateurs from Watford each collected for Cancer Research UK instead. Incredibly they raised a total of £28,000 – the most raised by any Ultra White Collar Boxing (UWCB) gym in the UK.

This year alone the gym has raised more than £65,000 for the charity, and plan to carry on their fundraising exploits with a number of shows already booked in for next year.

“Most of them have never done anything like this. After eight weeks they get into the ring and they form quite a nice bond,” said instructor Sally.

“For me personally it was about giving yourself a goal and showing yourself just how amazing you can be.”