Punches will be traded and money will be raised at a charity boxing night being held in Honiton next month.

Sidmouth Herald: Ref Charity Boxing (1). Picture: Nathan WallisRef Charity Boxing (1). Picture: Nathan Wallis (Image: NWP PHOTOGRAPHY.)

The white-collar event, which is boosting Honiton-based eyesight awareness charity See The Future, is the brainchild of town postman Paul Quick.

The 46-year-old teaches Muay Thai, but always wanted to stage a sporting spectacle for a good cause.

Paul says: “I take a lot of time and pleasure in teaching people how to box.

“It’s a great way of getting over your fears and stepping out of your comfort zone.”

Sidmouth Herald: Ref Charity Boxing (1). Picture: Nathan WallisRef Charity Boxing (1). Picture: Nathan Wallis (Image: NWP PHOTOGRAPHY.)

Paul knew of Leanne’s charity and suddenly had the lightbulb moment when deliberating which charity he wanted to raise money for.

While delivering a parcel to her home address, he asked Leanne if he could raise money for her charity, which aims to make people aware how important it is to take a regular eye test.

Leanne set up the national sight loss charity in response to her mum’s cancer diagnosis. Such has been her impact, she was awarded a prestigious gong by the annual Inspiration Awards for Women in 2017.

The awards recognise women who inspire those around them.

Sidmouth Herald: Ref Charity Boxing (1). Picture: Nathan WallisRef Charity Boxing (1). Picture: Nathan Wallis (Image: NWP PHOTOGRAPHY.)

Paul added: “I know Leanne’s charity is a good cause, so when I was delivering a parcel to her, I asked if I could get involved.

“We held our first boxing night last year at Rockbeare School and raised an amazing £3,600.

“I’m hoping we can beat that title at next month’s event.”

The boxing night is a hotly anticipated event, with tickets almost selling out in the first week.

Sidmouth Herald: Ref Charity Boxing (1). Picture: Nathan WallisRef Charity Boxing (1). Picture: Nathan Wallis (Image: NWP PHOTOGRAPHY.)

There will be some familiar faces at this year’s event – with participants from last year returning to bout in the ring.

Paul added: “There will be people taking part this year who would never normally box. They would usually be sat at home or going to the pub, so it’s great that they’ve decided to come and support such a good cause.

“As long as there is a call for this sort of fundraiser, I will continue to get involved.”

See The Future was set up by Leanne to raise money for non-government funded eye care units and awareness of sight loss conditions and the importance of going for regular eye tests, which can detect brain tumours, macular degeneration, diabetes, strokes, glaucoma and rare eye cancers.

Sidmouth Herald: Ref Charity Boxing (1). Picture: Nathan WallisRef Charity Boxing (1). Picture: Nathan Wallis (Image: NWP PHOTOGRAPHY.)

The boxing event, which tickets have sold out for, takes place on March 2.

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Sidmouth Herald: Ref Charity Boxing (1). Picture: Nathan WallisRef Charity Boxing (1). Picture: Nathan Wallis (Image: NWP PHOTOGRAPHY.)

Sidmouth Herald: See the Future charity boxing event. Ref Charity Boxing (1). Picture: Nathan WallisSee the Future charity boxing event. Ref Charity Boxing (1). Picture: Nathan Wallis (Image: NWP PHOTOGRAPHY.)

Sidmouth Herald: Ref Charity Boxing (1). Picture: Nathan WallisRef Charity Boxing (1). Picture: Nathan Wallis (Image: NWP PHOTOGRAPHY.)