THE dad of a Cardenden Primary School pupil who spent three years fighting leukaemia is preparing to take part in a boxing event to raise money for vital research into the disease. 

Martin Hampson, 25, is taking part in Ultra White Collar Boxing (UWCB), which gives participants access to the sport for free, with eight weeks free training before they get to put their skills to the test before a crowd of hundreds of spectators.

The former soldier will step into the ring at a showcase event in Dunfermline with the aim of raising hundreds of pounds for Cancer Research UK, to help them speed up new treatments for patients and save more lives.

Martin was serving with the Royal Regiment of Scotland, Five Scots Balaklava Company, when his three-year-old son Kaylan was diagnosed with leukaemia.

Central Fife Times: Martin Hampson and his son Kaylan.Martin Hampson and his son Kaylan. (Image: Contributed)

What started out as a routine dental appointment to deal with an ulcer in the youngster’s mouth quickly turned to a nightmare when they were referred to hospital for Kaylan’s tooth to be removed and doctors delivered the shocking news.

Martin recalled: “They did his bloods and the next minute we were being told they were 99 per cent sure our boy had cancer. It was such a shock.

“Everything started happening really fast from that moment, and Kaylan was transferred to the Sick Kids in Edinburgh, where he started three years of chemotherapy.

"It was a really tough, seeing your son hooked up to tubes and wires and knowing he was going to lose his hair is not what any dad wants to see.”

“We didn’t know for sure at that time what the future held for Kaylan. At one point he ended up in intensive care after catching Covid during his treatment, which left him really sick.”

Central Fife Times: Martin is in the final stages of his training for the event at Dunfermline's Glen Pavilion.Martin is in the final stages of his training for the event at Dunfermline's Glen Pavilion. (Image: Contributed)

Kaylan fortunately came through his treatment well is now cancer free. He is back with his friends at school since getting the all-clear and is enjoying playing football again.

Martin, who lives with partner Ashleigh Williams and their three-year-old son Grayson, said: “Getting that news was the best feeling. Now I want to do my bit and give something back by taking part in Ultra White Collar Boxing and raising money for such a good cause.”

Martin, who plays football for Leven FC, is currently in the final stages of training at Edge Gym in St Clair Street, Kirkcaldy, ahead of stepping into the ring on Saturday, April 20, at Glen Pavilion. His football team will be going along on the night to show their support, as well as family and friends.

Martin said: “It’s been a great experience so far and I feel fitter for sure. I always have it in my head why I am doing this and whenever I feel like it’s hard and I want to give up I think about Kaylan and what he’s been through and it gives me all the energy to keep on going.”

Donations for Martin’s fundraiser for Cancer Research UK can be made at his JustGiving page.

To buy tickets for the event at the Glen Pavilion on Saturday, April 20, visit Ultra White Collar Boxing Dunfermline.