A former TV star is among Walsall Healthcare staff who will be stepping into the ring for a charity boxing match next month.

Ryan Allsop, a Medical Engineer, is taking part along with Matt Chalenor, Business Support Officer for Place-Based Teams in the community, and the pair are urging other amateur boxers to get on board.

The event, on Friday 6 October at Rushall Labour Club, is the sixth boxing night staged by Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust’s Well Wishers charity, in partnership with Martin Gethin, former British Lightweight Champion and International Boxing Federation Super Lightweight Champion.

Martin is also patron of the charity and is happy to help train boxers who want to take part.

Ryan, who appeared on TV’s First Dates show, took part last year and said the training helped his mental health as well as his fitness levels.

The 22-year-old said: “Last year was a mixture of nerves and adrenaline for me as I hadn’t boxed for a while but I’m glad I pushed myself to take part because I found the training made me feel good about myself, mentally as well as physically.

“Plus, it was a great night – a sellout – and everyone who came along to support said how much they enjoyed it.”

Like Ryan, Matt has also taken part before and this will be his third outing for Well Wishers.

The 24-year-old said: “Loads of my friends came to support me the first time I boxed and that really spurred me on to win. As Ryan says it’s a great event and while there’s just three weeks to go till the big night there’s still time for other boxers who are novices or similar to get involved.

“I also enjoy supporting our Trust charity which does so much for our hospital and community services.”

Doors open at 7pm with the first bout at 8.15pm. Tickets, at £15 each, include a buffet and are on sale now.

All boxers will be wearing protective headgear and there will be no knockout rounds. This year’s proceeds will go to the Trust’s Paediatric Assessment Unit and Children’s Emergency Department to create a calmer, more peaceful setting. Toys will also be bought for bays and waiting areas.

Tickets are on sale at the Fundraising Hub in the main atrium of the Manor Hospital, daily between 9am and 5pm. For more information on taking part, please contact the Fundraising Team on 01922 656643 or email wht.fundraising@nhs.net. Alternatively, pop into the hub for a chat.