AN ASPIRING teen boxer ran for 24 hours to give back to the dedicated club that has helped train him.

Cameron Blades, 16, from Kilwinning, ran one mile each hour of a full day, starting from 6am.

The gruelling challenge was set to raise money to buy new equipment for Irvine Elite Boxing who have been inspiring him to dream big.

The boxing fanatic has spent every day of lockdown watching his clips of his heroes and wants to one day move like Mike Tyson.

To keep himself sharp, the Kilwinning Academy pupil, about to enter sixth year, has been running 5k three times a week, but with his beloved club in mind, he wanted to set a new challenge.

He told the Herald: “I have been going out runs a lot, I really miss the boxing club I have been there for two years.

“I got bored of the 5k, so I thought I would set myself a challenge or running one mile every hour for 24 hours.”

Cameron completed the challenge on Saturday, June 20 with support from his older brother Jordan, 22, and coaches from the club who joined him along the way.

He added: “It was really tough. The last five runs were by far the hardest.

“I started at 6am and finished at 6am, I would go out on the hour come back and rest up, then I’d go again.”

“I had my brother supporting me, and

then one of the coaches came out to join me for a mile. That helped me a lot.”

Cameron wanted to get fitter and joined the club when he was just 14. He has taken part in an exhibition match at the Sports Bar in Irvine, and is setting his sights on competing at amateur level.

He said: “I love boxing. I’ve been watching it every day. The aim to become professional one day.

“My favourite is Mike Tyson; it’s just amazing the way he moves.

“It’s great exercise and I’ve met loads of friends there.

“I’ve spoken to some of the coaches and hopefully the money we raise will go towards purchasing new equipment, such as bags.”

Head coach at Irvine Elite Boxing Club, Joe Affleck said the club have struggled with the coronavirus crisis, and Cameron’s fundraiser will go a long way to helping them.

Joe said: “We were happy to go and support Cammy, he’s went and did it off his own back.

“We are really grateful for him, we’re just looking forward to the time we can get everybody back it.

“The amount he has raised is fantastic. It is a brilliant gesture.”