Kennedy is boxing clever

Kennedy Power’s nephew, Finlay James Johnson, died at just eight days old after being born with a condition called Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia (CDH).

CDH is a hole in the diaphragm, which results in the intestines, and sometimes the stomach, entering the chest cavity preventing lung growth. It affects around 1 in 2,500 babies here in the UK, but is still unheard of by many people.

Kennedy, 24, from Shelf, Halifax, knew she wanted to do something to raise awareness and raise money, so decided to take on her boxing challenge in aid of CDH UK, the charity which helped her family through their darkest hours.

She said: “CDH UK supported my family through a dificult time and continues to support other families who are going through the same emotions.

“It is run by a wonderful group of volunteers who have experienced a child being born with this condition and they put a lot of their spare time into helping others.”

Kennedy received eight weeks of free training from the Warrior Martial Arts Academy in Eccleshill, Bradford, through Pink Collar Charity Boxing, and the event was held at The Bradford Hotel, Bradford city centre, on Saturday, June 4.

“I was coached throughout the training and cornered on the night by Vicki Hanson, owner of Warrior Martial Arts Academy,” Kennedy said. “I won fight of the night out of six fights that took place between both men and women, but unfortunately the referee wasn’t on my side and I lost my fight on points.

“I would highly recommend it to anyone wanting a challenge, to raise money for charity or to help them get fit and lose weight to sign up.

“It is the best thing anyone will ever do, the thrill you get on the night of the fight is unexplainable and the training and team at Pink Collar are amazing.

“I am signing up for another fight and would like to raise money for another charity, so if there is anyone local needing help with fundraising, I am more than happy to help fundraise for a specific charity.”

So far, Kennedy has raised more than £300 from the match, but there is still time to donate at uk.virginmoneygiving.com/kennedypower.