A BARRY-BASED charity is urging people to gather ringside in a concerted effort to deal cancer a knock-out punch.

Organisers of a family fun day are aiming to help Karen’s Cause – set up by Barry mum Karen Holroyd – and want you in their corner to help raise money towards bringing a Cyberknife radiotherapy machine to Wales.

Karen travelled to England to gain treatment for cervical cancer, via the revolutionary machine which is not available in Wales.

Karen's treatment was only available in London, but with the support of her consultant Dr Louise Hanna, Karen eventually obtained funding from the Welsh Health Specialised Services Committee and in October 2011 travelled to Mount Vernon hospital and had three sessions of Cyberknife treatment leaving her with no side effects as opposed to the previous radiotherapy Karen had received which left her with many short-term and long-term effects.

Karen was told she was cancer free in September 2012.

Karen’s Cause, Barry-based FitM8 and Leigh Land have also launched the 6 50 50 challenge which involves running six miles on a treadmill, 50 rounds of punch pad work, and 50 rounds of sparring.

Their fun packed family event and sporting challenge will be held at Penarth Athletic Club, from midday on Sunday, August 10.

There will be bouncy castles, inflatable slides, face painting, refreshments, beer tents and a

Meet the Heroes photograph opportunity along with a raffle and auction.

Leigh supported Karen's Cause helping with the Hollywood Ball in March.

He is organising a family fun day, with a personal fitness endurance challenge. Leigh's training started in May, and he's determined to complete the endurance challenge, and raise vital funds for Karen’s Cause.

Carlmichael, of FitM8 Personal Training in Park Crescent, Barry donated £295 in prizes for the Hollywood Ball and is sponsor for the Family Fun Day and with the FitM8 team is training Leigh for this toughest of challenges, “Fighting For Karen's Cause”.

Carlmichael said: “Leigh is training with our FitM8 Personal Training team to ensure a knock-out performance as we fight to bring life saving Cyberknife to Wales. Cancer affects too many families throughout the UK, here in Wales this treatment is vital to ensure more families aren't devastated by this disease. As cancer effects the whole family, Karen knows better than any of us the importance of having the whole families support, travelling long distances makes the treatment difficult for families and loved ones to give essential support needed to fight this disease.”

He added: “Families are so important in the fight and treatment, what better way to raise awareness and funds than to bring our families together to have a fantastic day, with great memories, whilst supporting our fight for them and their loved ones.”

Dance troops will also perform. Entry is free, but voluntary donations are welcome.

Visit Karen's Cause on Facebook or www.fitm8.eu/fightingforkarenscause

Pitches can be purchased for £20 where local businesses can sell and promote their goods or services.

Call Karen, Leigh Land or Carlmichael on 0800 0807 497.