The Principal Lecturer is in training for ‘Train Like A Pro White Collar Boxing Night’, where 40 working Aylesbury professionals will be given the chance to be Rocky for the night and take on a fellow amateur.

Dr Black, who previously raised funds for Cancer Research UK by taking part in Stand Up To Cancer Day in 2013 (not sitting down all day), is taking her fundraising efforts to a whole new level – something she admits she is “nervous/excited about”. 

“I’d done boxing conditioning training for the last two years but that’s been it. I’m a bit nervous about actually stepping into the ring against someone, but really excited at the same time too. It’s a nervous/excited feeling!

“At 40 I have quite bad knees, but boxing has been a great way to get fit and when I heard of the White Collar Boxing event, I thought it would be a brilliant way to significantly increase my fitness and of course raise more money for such a very important charity.

“I wanted something that would push me that bit further and for longer, as everyday people have an epic fight against cancer and this is just a very small part from me to recognise that,” said Sharon.

Last year both of Sharon’s parents were diagnosed with the disease within just a few weeks of each other and she is now fully focused to raise as much as she can. “In my field of work, I have seen what research can do. Research is the only way we can beat cancer, so I want to raise as much money as possible,” she added.

Sharon’s fight takes place on 28 March, at CPM Thame, Oxfordshire, in front of a 600-strong crowd.

The event has been organised by Pegasus Kick Boxing Gym in Aylesbury, where Sharon trains.

Built as the ‘ultimate experience day’, ‘Train Like A Pro’ will see four teams of 10 take each other on, in a Ryder Cup style event where each boxer will fight (with head-guards) one match for one point.

The event is also raising funds for a leukaemia charity.

To help Sharon’s fundraising ambitions visit www.justgiving.com/Sharon-Black2014

For more information and to arrange an interview with Sharon, please contact the Press Office on 01582 743499.