Big hitters with big hearts.
That is the story of the Hill brothers who have vowed to help seriously-ill youngster Ivy-Louise Gawthorpe.
Peterlee-trained Joe and Tom (pictured above) have pledged their purses from fighting at the Summer Rumble on July 1 to the Just Giving Fund set up for her.
Little Ivy-Louise’s family are attempting to raise £200,000 to take her to the United States for treatment.
Ivy-Louise was diagnosed with neuroblastoma in January aged just 14 months after it was discovered a tumour above her adrenal gland had spread across her body. Doctors gave her a 50-50 chance of survival and her story has captured the hearts of Redcar brothers, who box out of Dave Binns’s East Durham College Gym.
Ivy-Louise’s fight for life has been highlighted by the Bradley Lowery Foundation, a movement set up in memory of the brave boy, from Blackhall, who died last July aged just six having suffered from the same condition.
Tom said: “After hearing about Ivy’s story, me and our Joe have decided we would like help raise funds to help with Ivy’s treatment.
“Ivy-Louise, at the age of only 14 months old was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma Cancer, something no child should ever have to go through.
“Ivy’s family are now raising funds for a vaccine trial in the USA which is proven beneficial to preventing relapse in children with Neuroblastoma. The family need to raise £200,000 to help cover the cost of treatment.
“We hope that on the night many of you can get your hands in your pockets and help this little girl get better.
“Buckets will be going round on the night as well as our T-shirts and shorts having a link to Ivy’s just giving page where you can also donate!
“In addition to this we have decided to donate our earnings from the from the fight. So even if you just buy a ticket, every little helps!
Bradley Lowery not only touched a nation, and beyond, and raised awareness of Neuroblastoma, and the Hills are looking to do their bit for this family from Ackworth, near Wakefield.
Tom has won all three of his fights since turning pro, while Joe won on his pro debut last month in Houghton.
The Summer Rumble is an annual boxing show at the Stadium of Light, promoted by the manager of the Hill bros, Phil Jeffries.
