Barrow man to compete in charity boxing match for Neil Jones

Jordan Thomas Fisher, from Barrow, is donning boxing gloves for the first time in four years to raise awareness for men's mental health and collect money towards a wheelchair for pal Neil Jones.

Jordan never imagined boxing again due to his anxieties but now he is motivated by his friend and getting him the wheelchair he needs.

"Something feels different this time. The fact I have gone through personal problems and rebuilt myself with the help of my partner, my family and attending Andy's Man Club," he said.

READ MORE: Andy's Man Club in Barrow surpasses 1,000 attendees since launch

"I want to show people that you can come back from a dark place, you just need to believe in yourself and trust the process and take one day at a time.

"This is not even about the boxing fight, this is about the real fight we all go through daily. There is no battle harder than the one we have with our own minds. This boxing fight is to show people you can come back."

His charity boxing match is part of the Battle In Barrow event taking place at Barrow Raiders Stadium on August 24.

Neil has been raising money for an all-terrain wheelchair to allow him more mobility and independence. 

READ MORE: Dad of three who suffered strokes raising funds for 'life-changing' wheelchair

The former soldier had hemorrhagic strokes in April 2021 and he spent months in a coma and neurological rehabilitation. He returned home in December of the same year where he began to make improvements.

In the last year, Neil and his family moved into an adapted home after he lived in a hospital bed for two years. 

Neil Jones (Image: Submitted) However, Neil explained the wheelchair he currently has is not meeting his needs. Now he can get out alone but his chair is slow and has no front and back lights or indicators.

Jordan said Neil has a 'great heart' and an 'unbelievable spirit'.

"He is one of a kind," he said. "Despite everything he has been through he still manages to make others smile and he just gets on with it. You will never hear him moaning or complaining and his presence is always known when he is in the room."

Jordan said he was feeling 'nervous but excited' for the match and he was looking forward to handing all the money raised to Neil.

Jordan Thomas Fisher (Image: Submitted) He has so far raised £402 of the £1,000 target.

"I can't wait to see Neil's face when I hand him all the money I have raised for him with the kindness of the Barrow community coming together," he said.

"I am training hard as I want to be as prepared as possible.

"A huge huge thank you from me, Neil and his family for their support no matter how big or small the donation is every single penny is appreciated and I assure you it is for a good cause and a good person."

To make a donation visit Jordan's GoFundMe page here.