FRIENDS and family will be stepping into the ring to give boxing their best shot for a young man who has stayed positive throughout the diagnosis and treatment of his rare cancer.

Luke Willacy, a 25-year-old keen sportsman, from Barrow, was diagnosed with a unique liver cancer called fibrolamellar, in March.

Now his step brother Liam Mahon, 32, a former pupil at Thorncliffe School, has organised a charity boxing event at The Nines, Dalkeith Street, Barrow, on Friday.

Doors will open at 7pm and the evening will continue until late.

Mr Mahon said: "The event has been great fun to organise and it has been a good distraction for Luke and all of his family during a really tough time. Friday should just be like a big party and Luke is really looking forward to it."

There was a charity golf competition for Luke last month and again this event will be raising money for Macmillan and The Christie Charity, which have been caring for Mr Willacy since his diagnosis. Liam said: "We are raising money for two great charities, but we also want to spread the word that it is OK to question your diagnosis.

"Luke was incorrectly diagnosed multiple times and now, as a family, we want to encourage people that even if your doctor dismisses your symptoms, go with your gut instinct and get a second opinion if you really feel like there could be something seriously wrong."

The event will see several of Luke's close friends get up in the ring to give boxing a try and there are a few healthy jitters among the competitors.

Mr Mahon will be fighting in what will be one of the only serious bouts of the evening.

He said: "It really should just be a bit of fun, most people who are fighting have never boxed before in their lives! Luke's illness came as a big surprise to all of us and the last few months have been very intense. I think watching his old school friends giving boxing a go with put a big smile on Luke's face."

Mr Willacy, who was a pupil at St Bernard's Catholic High School, has just begun a new course of treatment after his cancer did not respond to a course of chemotherapy.

However, Mr Mahon reported that his step brother is staying positive after his wedding to his beautiful bride Emily in June this year. The couple, who had a fairytale wedding at Storrs Hall, Windermere, brought their nuptials forward three months on the recommendation of doctors.

Mr Willacy's friends and family have been promoting the event on social media and tickets will also be available on the door for anybody who wants to go along.

To donate in Luke Willacy's name please visit: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/luke-willacy