A nanny struggling to come to terms with the death of her father managed to turn her life around by signing up for a charity boxing match in front of hundreds of people at Windsor Leisure Centre.

Amy Butterworth, 29, of Puers Field, Beaconsfield, has revealed how Ultra White Collar Boxing helped her get through tough moments in her life twice - first when her father was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer and after his death.

She first signed up for UWCB, which raises money for Cancer Research UK, when her father Martin Butterworth was diagnosed.

Participants are given eight weeks of free professional boxing training before a showcase event in front of hundreds of spectators.

Those taking part are asked to sell tickets for the show and raise at least £50 for Cancer Research UK.

Amy had been struggling with an eating disorder.

Amy said: "It was difficult and very intense training but I think it helped me. I had a new focus. I had been ill for a few years with an eating disorder but Dad's illness made me want to be well again for him."

But tragically, Mr Butterworth, a technician at Dreams beds, was too ill to watch his daughter's debut match. He died a month later.

Amy threw herself back into training for two hours a week at Five Star Gym in Vale Road, Windsor.

She had her second opportunity in the ring at Windsor Leisure Centre in Stovell Road during the summer, when she walked on to the song 'Brave' by Don Diablo and Jessie J.

In the crowd of 600 who turned out the event was her mother, book keeper Liz Butterworth, 54, and brother Lee Butterworth, 30.

She said: "All I could hear as I came out to the ring was them shouting my name. I knew my dad would be watching, because now he's always watching over me."

Despite losing her fight she said: "At first I was a little disappointed, but it was all for a great cause."

Amy raised over £800 for Cancer Research UK.