Boxing fundraiser delivers knockout support for cancer team

A Doncaster local entered the ring earlier this year to raise funds for the cancer team currently caring for his mum.

Oliver Churchill raised more than £2,400 following his Ultra White-Collar Boxing (UWCB) match, with funds supporting cancer care services in the Chatsfield Suite at Doncaster Royal Infirmary.

In September 2025, Oliver’s mum, Jean, received a cancer diagnosis after tumours were found in her lung, liver and back.

The 37-year-old said: “When she told me she had cancer it was like getting punched in the face.”

However, Jean’s care by the team in the Chatsfield Suite was ‘brilliant’, he explained.

He said: “Mum has spoken about the care and how brilliant the nurses are, but also the community feeling of the Chatsfield Suite amongst the patients.”

[Left to right] Keeli Hodgson, Sister on the Chatsfield Suite, Oliver’s mum, Jean, and Oliver Churchill

Oliver, who lives in Leeds and works as an Early Careers Manager, found extra motivation to fundraise for the department after hearing of patients who were similar in age to himself and had young children.

He said: “I think people in Doncaster deserve to have the best treatment available to them.”

Nicknamed ‘The Ghost’, Oliver trained tirelessly for more than eight weeks with coaching from the Doncaster Martial Arts Centre, a challenge he was familiar with after taking part in another charity boxing match 10 years ago.

On the night of the event, around 2,000 people packed into Doncaster Racecourse to cheer on the fighters.

Oliver entered the arena to a song by his Mum’s favourite singer, Elvis Presley.

He said: “I won’t lie, it’s quite an exciting feeling doing the ring walk.

“When I got in the ring, I could see my mum in the crowd, which only increased my focus.”

Oliver boxed in front of a crowd of nearly 2,000 people at Doncaster Racecourse

After three hard-fought rounds, Oliver emerged victorious in front of the packed Doncaster Racecourse crowd.

He said: “The first people I saw afterwards were my family, which was really nice.

“It’s a good feeling knowing I’ve done something productive and raised money.”

Following the match, Oliver and his family also received some positive news about Jean’s treatment.

He said: “I just hope more families in Doncaster get the same news as we did.”

To support Oliver’s fundraising, visit: https://givestar.io/gs/ollies-ultra-white-collar-boxing-fundraising

Post-match Oliver posed with his family for a photo

About DBTH Charity:

Doncaster & Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals’ Charity is the official charity which supports Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals Trust to go above and beyond by providing additional equipment, services and amenities for our patients, visitors and staff which cannot be funded by the NHS alone.

These additional extras would not be possible without the support of our community. With your help, we can continue to work with our Trust to fund innovative and exciting projects that make a difference to our patients, their families and our colleagues who care for them.

Visit the charity website to find out more: https://dbthcharity.co.uk/