AFTER just ten weeks of training, William Farrell is preparing to enter the ring for his first ever boxing contest.

Mr Farrell, 43, of Pew Hill, Chippenham, is pushing himself to the limit as part of the charity Zero to Hero fitness programme to raise money for the Acute Stroke Unit at the Royal United Hospital in Bath.

The RUH played a vital role in helping Mr Farrell’s friend when he suffered from a stroke last year. He said: “I have known a few people who have suffered strokes over the years, including a very close friend of mine. Without the special care he received at the RUH, things could have been a lot worse.

“He’s okay now. I’m godfather to his children and it was a total shock, he’s only in his mid 40s.”

He was a boxing novice ten weeks ago and Mr Farrell, who works for Honda in Swindon, has lost nearly two stone training up to five times a week with professional boxing coaches.

He said he has given up beer, cakes, sweets and crisps as part of his training.

Instead he is having six egg whites for breakfast every morning for protein. He said: “I can’t wait for that first pint of Guinness.”

His programme concludes with three two-minute rounds on Saturday in front of nearly 2,000 people when he takes on another Zero to Hero participant at the Oasis Centre in Swindon.

He said: “I thought ten weeks of training, being pushed to the limit and experiencing some pain is nothing compared to what some people and their families go through when dealing with a stroke.

“I have taken on this challenge to say thank you to the unit which has provided such professional care and I wanted to do something to help them in the future.”

Laura Pearce is the events fundraiser for The Forever Friends Appeal, which raises money for the RUH Cancer Care Campaign and all areas, wards and departments of the hospital, including the Acute Stroke Unit.

She said: “William is a truly inspirational person; he has shown some real grit and determination in taking on his zero to hero challenge.

“We are so grateful to William and everyone who has sponsored and encouraged him to push through each week of his ten week journey.

Mr Farrell’s partner Tracey, her children, Jordan, 19, and Rebecca, 21, and Mr Farrell’s brother Tom will be at the fight to cheer him on.

People can sponsor Mr Farrell’s Zero to Hero challenge at www.justgiving.com/William-Farrell3