ORDINARY family members from all walks of life are undertaking a charity challenge that really packs a punch.

The JMA Academy martial arts centre in Atherton has set up a White Collar Fighter programme where amateurs – usually complete beginners – undertake eight weeks of training ahead of their first boxing bout while raising cash for a good cause.

Their challenge culminates in a boxing match lasting three two-minute rounds in front of hundreds of spectators at the Bowlers Exhibition Centre in Trafford on March 18.

Teenager Jake Carey is raising money to buy a specialist bed for his girlfriend Chanell Sollinger's eight-year-old brother Brayden Cosgrove.

Brayden has rare long-term condition lissencephaly, which means he suffers regular seizures, cannot talk very well and has restricted movement.

Bank worker Jake, from Mosley Common, said: "He is a wonderful lad and he is always smiling, laughing and happy.

"Whenever I go round to visit, although his speech is limited, he says ‘hiya’."

Jake has already completed a white collar boxing programme and won his debut fight on a split decision in November.

The 18-year-old said: "I raised £400 for Cancer Research UK and I thought I would do it again.

“I was thinking of what I could raise money for and because I am quite close to Brayden and his family I decided to try to raise money for a bed for him.

"He has respiratory problems and his parents are looking to get a specialist bed."

Jake and the other contestants train twice a week at JMA Academy in Victoria Mill, Bolton Old Road, Atherton, where they are put through their paces by boxing coaches.

In the fourth week they learn which of the other entrants will be their opponent at a much-anticipated Split Night that is treated a bit like a professional weigh-in where the fighters square up and pose for photographs.

The group is divided into two teams which train separately on different nights with different coaches in order to intensify the rivalry between fighters and further build camaraderie.

Jake said: “I am on the third week and it is brilliant.

“I have kept my fitness up since last time so it is more focusing on technique this time.

“I took up boxing training six years ago but I didn't go all out in the sessions – I would go along one time and then not turn up for weeks and then go along again.

“Now I am committed to the programme.

“I definitely feel more confident and I am enjoying the training.

“The coaching is brilliant as they take the time to come over to you and advise you individually.

"Within the group we have a complete range of ages and abilities.

“I am one of the youngest and it goes up to guys who are in their 40s.

"We are all different shapes and sizes and some people have had boxing training before and some haven't.

"Everyone motivates one another."