Biggleswade woman determined to get back in boxing ring to honour sister’s cancer battle

Finance director Sarah Crone, 40, had been set to step into the ring at the Bedford Corn Exchange in April, but the event had to be called off.

Despite the setback Sarah, of York Close, has remained determined to take part in the event.

Her sister, Rebecca Llewellyn, 38, is in the final stages of her cancer treatment, having been diagnosed with the disease five years earlier.

Rebecca, a teacher from Blunham, underwent successful treatment at the time, but her cancer returned.

Sarah said: “My sister wasn’t going to be well enough to come to watch my bout, but now hopefully when I do step into the ring, she’ll be there to cheer me on. She’s who I’m doing it for. Rebecca has been an absolute inspiration to me and I am so proud to be her sister.

“She has continued to work, continued to be a fantastic mum and a step-mum and she never complains about her illness.

“Me going into the ring for six minutes is nothing compared to the fight she’s had.”

Sarah first got involved in boxing to improve her mental health, having been through some upheavals in her personal life. She was suffering from anxiety and decided to join the Lee Kemp Boxing Academy near her home.

Sarah said: “I’ve known Lee for over 20 years and when I saw he was running the group I decided to take the plunge.

“The benefits of exercise are well documented and Lee is excellent. Taking part in boxing has had a really positive impact on my life.”

Sarah then decided to take the plunge and sign up for an event organised by Ultra White Collar Boxing, which has raised almost £22 million for Cancer Research UK.

Participants are asked to sell tickets for their event and raise a minimum of £50 for Cancer Research UK. Sarah has smashed that target and raised £1,415.

Those competing are offered eight weeks of free training before taking part in a showcase event in front of hundreds of spectators.

Because of Covid-19, UWCB put all its boxing shows on hold and Sarah is currently waiting for a new date.

When it does go ahead she will be cheered on by three tables of supporters, including colleagues from Greenacre, the recruitment company where she works.

She revealed her ring walk music will be Beyoncé’s ‘Run the World (Girls), chosen by her nine-year-old daughter, Hannah.

Jon Leonard, who runs UWCB, said: “We are working hard to get our Bedford event rescheduled and as soon as restrictions are lifted it will be great to see Sarah take part. It is fantastic that boxing has had a positive impact on her life and that Rebecca has been such an inspiration to her.

“I’d say to anyone who is thinking of taking part to follow Sarah’s example and join us. Many people have described it as a life-changing experience and the best night of their life.”

Anyone interested in taking part can visit www.ultrawhitecollarboxing.co.uk/locations/bedford/