A 21-YEAR-OLD man is set for an unusual charity challenge after participating in an intensive eight-week training course to prepare for his debut in the boxing ring.

Josh Pickering, a store manager of Sussex Beds, is a boxing beginner.

He saw the regulated Ultra White Collar Boxing fundraiser for Cancer Research UK and decided to sign up to the challenge, despite the concerns of his girlfriend and mum.

As well as rigorous training, Josh had to fundraise £50 and sell ten tickets to the event.

However, the combined value of his efforts has seen him raise £760 to date for charity.

Due to the speed tracked training regime Josh, who lives in Hastings, has also changed his diet and lost half a stone in the process.

Josh commented, “The event is aimed at complete amateurs.

“It brings together 60 like-minded people who want to fight cancer fist-on in head guards and 16oz boxing gloves.

“Fighting is totally out of my comfort zone but if you are going to do something for charity I think you should challenge yourself.

“I would like to thank all the team at Sussex Beds for their support.”

The event takes place on Saturday April 7 at Sussex Coast College, Hastings.

Sussex Beds is a family-run firm with more than 30 years experience in selling beds.

The independent retailer has a number of branches across the South East.

These include Hailsham, Bexhill, Newhaven, Uckfield, Portslade, Haywards Heath and Worthing.

It also has a branch in Tonbridge, Kent.