Wakefield Trinity supporter Helen Shires is returning to the boxing ring this month for the first time in 10 years in a fundraising bid to support Wakefield Trinity Community Foundation.

Helen, a 42-year-old Trinity season-ticket holder from Alverthorpe, last took part in a boxing contest back in 2015, then raising funds for Cancer Research UK.

After more than a decade away, she is now set to return to the ring in front of an expected 1,500 crowd on Saturday, November 21 at Doncaster Racecourse as part of an Ultra White Collar Boxing event.

Her latest fundraiser also marks a key moment within her incredible weight loss journey, having lost an amazing 11 stone over the course of the last 16 months.

Helen Shires (centre) alongside Wakefield Trinity Community Foundation delivery staff Ezra Pickles (left) and Matilda Hazell at the DIY Kitchens Stadium.

placeholder image — Helen Shires (centre) alongside Wakefield Trinity Community Foundation delivery staff Ezra Pickles (left) and Matilda Hazell at the DIY Kitchens Stadium.

Helen is raising funds for Wakefield Trinity Community Foundation, the charitable arm of the Super League champions, which supports thousands of people across the city through a range of programmes across its community, education, inclusion and rugby league departments.

"I've been on a weight loss journey over the past year-and-a-half and made a promise to my son that when I reached a certain weight, I'd sign up for another boxing event," said Helen.

"And as someone from a family of massive Wakefield Trinity supporters, I really wanted to fundraise for the Community Foundation.

"I'm a huge believer in their work and the numerous programmes that the Foundation runs.

"My son Callum is part of the Emerging Player Pathway that the Foundation runs and I'm a really strong believer in grassroots sport.

"Rugby league is such a great community that supports young players and their families and it really like a second family to me.

"It's also incredible to see the work that the Foundation does in SEND Schools too, supporting children with additional needs.

"Any funds that I can raise through this challenge can hopefully support the continuation of programmes like those."

Ahead of the contest in Doncaster, Helen is training at the British Combat Academy, in Horbury.

Ultra White Collar also have bases in Barnsley, Rotherham and Doncaster, with the participants all then competing in their latest event in late November.

Helen continued: "I last took part in boxing 11 years ago through Ultra White Collar, which is designed for novices and helps people get fit through boxing training.

"There's a really great community within boxing and it's a great way for me to get fit and lose weight through the training, especially as someone who's not a gym-goer.

"While getting punched in the face might not be everyone's idea of fun, I've really loved the experiences I've had in boxing and I'm really looking forward to getting back in the ring!"

To donate to Helen's boxing fundraiser, please click HERE