Mum steps into boxing ring in the fight against brain tumours inspired by friend

Janine Bowling, aged 43, from Brandlesholme , has been inspired to take part in a boxing tournament by her friend and colleague who was diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumour, in a bid to raise funds to help find a cure for the devastating disease.

The mum-of-two is raising money for the Brain Tumour Research charity in support of 36-year-old Neil Taylor, who was diagnosed with a grade three astrocytoma brain tumour in February 2017.

Neil, who lives in Middleton underwent surgery followed by radiotherapy and a year of chemotherapy treatment.

Janine with her daughter, Aimee

Janine, a people co-ordinator at McDonald’s branch office in Middleton, said: “I’m trying to raise as much money as possible for Neil’s Appeal, a fundraising group under the umbrella of Brain Tumour Research.

“Neil and his family have been through so much since he was first diagnosed. I've always wanted to do something and I thought this would be a good way to raise some funds for a good cause.”

Janine, who worked as a store manager in Bury McDonalds for more than 10 years, has undergone eight weeks of intensive training to be ready for the big night which will be in front of an audience of more than 500 people.

She said: “Ricky Hatton's brother, Matthew, has got a gym in Stockport so I’ve been going there four times a week, and I’ve seen my personal trainer twice a week. Every single muscle in my body has ached, including my fingers and toes. One of my toenails has dropped off so it’s taking its toll.

“My children Aimee, 16, and Nicholas, 13, are worried about me getting hurt. Nicolas wants to come and watch the fight but I don't think that's a good idea because I've watched them online and they're actually quite brutal.

“My parents have been trying to talk me out of it, but if someone tells me not to do something I want to do it more. I like a challenge, so anything that pushes me out of my comfort zone is fun.”

Neil, a franchise supervisor at McDonald’s, said: “I do wonder what the staff at work are going to think when Janine comes into work with two black eyes, but I’m over the moon that she is doing this. Hopefully it will generate a lot of donations and raise awareness about brain tumours.

“They kill more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer but only one per cent of funding is allocated to brain tumours.”

Neil and Alex with children, Annabelle and Harvey

Matthew Price, community development manager at Brain Tumour Research said: “We are very grateful to Janine for taking on this fundraising challenge and supporting our cause.

“Neil’s powerful story reminds us that brains tumours are indiscriminate; they can affect anyone at any time. We remain focused on finding a cure, to help prevent more families from having their lives turned upside-down by this terrible disease.”

To make a donation to Brain Tumour Research in support of Janine, visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Janinebowling