Adam Dibble is hoping to make it third time lucky in the forthcoming Well Wishers boxing show – and he has his mum’s backing.
The 31-year-old from Burntwood, a Student Nurse and Healthcare Assistant in the Emergency Department at Walsall Manor Hospital, has fought twice previously on the charity bill and lost, but has extra focus this year, for close family reasons.
As well as expecting their first child, due on Christmas Day, with wife Hannah, who is Deputy Academy Manager at Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust, Adam is mourning the loss of mum Tracy.
She died at just 58 in the Manor Hospital’s Intensive Care Unit in March after suffering two collapsed lungs and complications.
“I’m fighting in my mum’s honour – she will be willing me on from somewhere,” said Adam. “She saw me get married which was lovely and the staff on ICU were amazing, they worked so hard to save her.”
Pregnant wife Hannah is the First Aider at the event, so Adam hopes she understands when he says: “I hope I don’t get to see her on the night!”
Beaten twice before on the Well Wishers shows, Adam, who is 6ft 4ins, feels he is more focused this time around.
“Hopefully it will be third time lucky. I’ve trained really hard this time, boxing three times a week and I’ve invested in a punchbag in the back garden which is brilliant for de-stressing!” he said.
“I hate losing and I’m hoping the extra experience I’ve gained will tell on the night. I’ve lost a stone and a half in four weeks, down to 17 stone 10 lbs, and it’s done wonders for me.
“I’ve got a bit of power and I’m told at the gym that I should keep throwing my jab so I hope it works. I just need to keep my composure because I’ve been too nervous in the past and let the occasion get to me, but I’m feeling good about this one.”
Charity is the big winner and for Adam, this is the latest opportunity for him to do his bit for Well Wishers.
“I did a bingo event with Andy Tams (Undergraduate Medical Education Team (UMET) Manager and Advanced Nurse Practitioner at Walsall Healthcare) and we dressed up as women to call out the numbers!” recalled Adam. “I’ll do anything for Well Wishers!”
This year’s proceeds will go to Walsall Healthcare’s Paediatric Assessment Unit and Children’s Emergency Department to make the area look less clinical, as well as making the breaking news/family room a more peaceful setting. Toys will also be bought for bays and waiting areas.
Tickets, which are in high demand, are priced at £15 including a buffet, and are on sale by calling 01922 721172 extensions 6643 or 7279, by emailing wht.fundraising@nhs.net or visiting the Fundraising Hub in the Main Atrium at Walsall Manor Hospital (Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm).
On the night, the doors open at Rushall Labour Club at 7pm and the first bout is at 8.15pm. The address is Liberty House, Lichfield Road, Walsall, WS4 1HB and the dress code is smart.