One of Oxford United's favourite sons will be coming out fighting when Jamie Brooks takes to the ring at the Kassam Stadium in September.
Local boy Jamie is one of the most talented players ever to come through the youth system at the club, making his debut while the club was still at the Manor and then top scoring as an 18-year-old in the first ever season at the new ground. That form attracted the attention of Arsenal who were on the verge of signing Jamie when he was struck down by Guillan-Barre syndrome; an illness so severe doctors feared he may never have walk again.
Typically, Jamie fought back and gradually edged his way back to resume his playing career, making an emotional return to the side before playing locally towards the end of his career.
Now Jamie is switching sports. On September 29th he will be back at his old ground to fight in a charity boxing evening.
He told us
"I loved my time at Oxford. I was so proud to play for my local team and I loved every minute. It will be strange to be going back, even if it is a completely different sport. If I'm honest I knew I wasn't anywhere near where I used to be when I came back but in a way it didn't matter too much. Just to come through after the illness and to be healthy again was all I could wish for.
"I want to try and help anyone else who goes through something similar because it can be a very scary, very lonely place.
"I have been working very hard with the guys at Stamina Boxing and feel great at the moment. There will be a few nerves on the night but I am going in there to try and win, as well as raise awareness and money for the Guillain-Barre Syndrome support group. We have raised over £1,000 already, and over the years it's over £10,000 I think, so if any Oxford fans want to help, or come along on the night and support me then that would be fantastic."
Jamie is raising money for GAIN (Guillain-Barre & Associated Inflammatory Neuropathies). To donate to his challenge go to justgiving.com/fundraising/jamie-brooks5
To buy tickets for the night CLICK HERE