Former Lockerbie man gets into the boxing ring at 55 to help charity that supported his sister

A former Lockerbie man got back in the boxing ring at the age of 55 to raise cash for a cause close to his heart.

Support worker Kevin McCreadie pushed himself to the limit to take part in the bout in aid of Breast Cancer Now, who supported his sister during her battle with cancer.

Belinda Vivers, who still lives in the town, was all the inspiration Kevin needed to step into the ring, after supporting her through gruelling chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatment.

Determined to do something positive, dad-of-four Kevin signed up to Ultra White Collar Boxing.

And after eight weeks of free training, he stepped into the ring during a showcase event at the Normandy Hotel Glasgow to show off his skills before hundreds of spectators – raising more than £300 for Breast Cancer Now.

Belinda was 50 when she was diagnosed with breast cancer, following a routine mammogram screening.

Kevin, who now lives in Glasgow’s Maryhill, said: “Belinda spent some time here in Glasgow having treatment in hospital and would stay with us. It was a tough time as she went through chemotherapy and radiotherapy, but I’m pleased to say she is in recovery now, having rang the bell marking the end of her treatment, before Christmas.

“She’s doing well and is back at work. She’s been my inspiration – it’s because of Belinda that I decided to do boxing again.”

Kevin is no stranger to the ring, having boxed as a teenager.

When he came across Ultra White Collar Boxing, he signed up and got the bug again.

This latest event was Kevin’s third UWCB experience, this time inspired by the courage that Belinda showed throughout treatment.

Speaking about his experience, Kevin said: “It was brilliant. I wasn’t planning on doing it again, but seeing Belinda go through what she has, I decided I wanted to do something positive and support the charity that helped her.

“She was able to come along and support me on the night along with our parents and my partner Alison. It was a great evening. I was nervous of course but I was up first and won my fight in the second round.”

Having enjoyed the eight weeks free training and how it made him feel, Kevin’s now well and truly back into his fitness - so much so, he and wife Alison have turned their spare room into a gym at home.

He added: “It’s given us both that buzz. I loved the training and build up to the night. I’m getting on a bit now, but I won’t rule another one out!

Kevin said: “I believe there’s no such thing as too old, too fat or too unfit – you can go along and change a lot of all that with the support of some good people who take it at your pace.

“I’d say to anyone even thinking about it to just do it – give it a go, because if I can do it, anyone can!”