Knockout visit for young boxer before Paris 2024 Olympics
Published on 29/07/2024
Kind-hearted staff at Heartlands Hospital pulled no punches in arranging for a teenager, who has a rare type of cancer, to meet his heroes.
Ollie Hercombe, a 16-year-old amateur boxer from Birmingham, was treated to a surprise meeting with the GB Boxing team as they were training for the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Ollie touched the hearts of colleagues earlier this year, when he was rushed to hospital after his leg snapped whilst boxing in his local gym.
It turned out that a tumour had caused the horrific break and tests soon revealed that Ollie was suffering from a very rare type of bone cancer that affects one in 1.5 million people.
Ollie made the brave decision to have his leg amputated to stop the cancer from spreading further. Thoughtful medical staff at Heartlands Hospital, who treated Ollie, were determined to do something really special for the young boxing fan because of his ordeal.
They were delighted by how accommodating the Olympic boxers were when they heard about Ollie’s condition. They managed to arrange a visit for Ollie to the home of national boxing, The Lions’ Den, which is based at the English Institute of Sport in Sheffield.
Ollie, a member of Acocks Green Boxing Gym, has been boxing since the age of six. He hasn’t let his experience get him down and Ollie has since returned to the gym and the Knockout visit for young boxer sport his loves, while he waits for a prosthetic leg.
Carla Lally, Senior Emergency Practitioner, said: “Ollie’s courage has been inspiring for all of us. We wanted to give him a memorable experience, and thanks to the generosity of Team GB, we made it happen. Seeing Ollie's smile was priceless.”
Ollie’s dad, Adam, said: “The visit was a great idea and has really lifted Ollie's spirits. Ollie isn’t out of the woods just yet, but it is moments like these that help to keep him going through the tough times.
“I am really grateful to the team at Heartlands Hospital, not only for going out of their way to arrange the visit, but also for the care they have given my son."
Rob McCracken, GB Boxing’s Performance Director, said: “When we heard about Ollie’s situation, we were more than happy to have him come and visit us in the Lions’ Den.
“We hope he enjoyed his experience during his time with us at GB Boxing. We look forward to seeing him again soon and wish him all the very best in his recovery.”
