A MUM is preparing to step into the ring for her poorly son because: “A punch to the nose is not half as bad as what he has had to go through".

Victoria Gibson, 34, from Colchester, will pop in a gum shield and pull on a pair of gloves on December 11 for a charity boxing match at Charter Hall  in Colchester.

She has plucked up the courage to take the fight for her little warrior Samuel Bethell, eight, who doctors believe may only have a few years left to live.

Victoria, who raises her son with doting dad Richard Bethell, 49, will feature in the Essex Pink Gloves Boxing event alongside eight other fundraising women.

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Victoria said: “You do not realise how much it hurts getting a punch to the face – I have a new found respect for boxers now.

“It has been really hard mentally and physically but whenever we have got low or our muscles have ached, we have thought of Samuel.

“Seeing this little boy on a bed after a heart operation makes you think that a punch to the nose is not half as bad as what he has had to go through.”

Samuel suffers from a ventricular septal defect, pulmonary stenosis, hypoplastic right heart syndrome and hypoventricula left heart syndrome.

Last year, his parents were told he may not make it to his 10th birthday and since then his health has neither improved nor declined.

The money raised from the fights will, therefore, be used to fund activities and special days out Samuel wishes to enjoy as part of a bucket list.

So far he has visited the likes of Chessington World of Adventures and Camp Bestival, and got a cocker spaniel called Cookie.

He now he wants to visit Liverpool FC's Anfield stadium to watch a game and meet all of the players.

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Victoria added: “The list gives him a reason to get up instead of just letting his body shut down.

“He has been fishing and seal watching, gone to Dream Night at Colchester Zoo, had a caravan holiday and taken part in a mud race – he now wants to go to the Liverpool ground.

“Thank you does not cut it. How do you tell someone how much it means for a stranger to put a smile on the face of a child who has been through so much?

“Also, Samuel’s dad deserves more credit – like those who help us, he does not get enough of the praise.”

After the fight, Samuel’s Christmas Party will take place on December 22 at Feering Community Centre.

To donate visit gofundme.com/f/samuels-last-crusademaking-his-wishes-come-true.