A GROUP of amateur athletes will take on a mammoth challenge as they step into the wring for a 12 hour bout.

Members of the East Brighton ABC Boxing Club and former boxer Steve O'Brien are undertaking a 12 hour sparring challenge to raise money for charity,

Those taking part will don their gloves for a combined 100 rounds, with Steve taking part in half of these, for the gruelling challenge.

The event aims to raise as much money as possible for Children with Cancer UK and The Crew Club in Whitehawk, a youth club founded in 1999 after the fatal stabbing of 16-year-old Jay Kensett which aims to give young people opportunities to take part in a range of activities.

The charity fundraiser was the brainchild of Steve O'Brien and ABC Boxing coach and The Crew Club co-founder Darren Snow.

Steve himself was involved with The Crew Club as a youngster, and has since reconnected with the centre after joining a project co-created by the Crew Club called Hawks Heroes, a football project supporting men’s health and well-being.

After his experiences with the club, he decided he wanted to help give something back and support its future.

He said: "The last few years have been really tough for me and it was The Crew Club that gave me some much needed support to get me back on my feet.

"The training through the football project helped me feel mentally and physically strong again, the best I have felt in years.

"I wanted other men to have the opportunity to get fit, have fun, and to re-connect with each other."

Darren Snow also explained why he and Steve had chosen to support Children with Cancer UK.

He said: "I’ve personally been affected by cancer.

"My wife Lorraine has been through cancer treatment and last year one of our young Crew Club members passed away as a result of cancer.

"He was just 13 years old and it was heart-breaking.

"This event will do its bit to help others going through cancer treatment and having Steve on board has been great.

"It’s so good to see him thrive again.

"The charity event is a brilliant idea and all the money raised will help two very important charities working hard to support others."