WATCH: Carla's packing a punch as she fights in memory of baby Riley
A brave woman from Wolverhampton will swap her usual day job of pulling pints to pulling punches instead when she takes to the boxing ring in memory of her best friend's son who died just ten-months-old.
Carla Healey, from Fordhouses, will compete in her ever first boxing match next month in the hope of raising funds for the Ronald McDonald House in Bristol where Riley Isaac and his family received care and support before he passed away with heart and kidney problems less than a year old.
The 29-year-old will take to the ring at Wolverhampton Racecourse on Sunday, July 19 in honour of Riley who suffered of a condition called Kabuki - a life-threatening illness which affects facial features with symptoms including widely spaced eyes, low-set or prominent ears, or an exaggerated eyebrow arch - throughout his short life.
Originally from Wolverhampton, Carla moved to Devon as a child with her family where she became best friends with Anne Isaac, before moving back to her home city several years ago.
Carla, who works as a barmaid at Greenfield Golf Club, is currently undergoing free training sessions at the city's Merridale Boxing Club following her link up with the Pink Collar Boxing charity - which helps encourage women train and get into boxing while earning money for charity at the same.
On the night Carla will take on another trainer from Pink Collar Boxing who will also be raising funds for charity. Pink Collar Boxing host many boxing nights throughout the country all year round.
Carla has so far raised more than £400 and hopes to get hundreds more by the time she enters the ring.
"Ever since Riley died I've always wanted to do something to help give something back," Carla said.
"When he died it felt like a huge loss to me, he was a joy to hold and to see smile.
"I've never boxed before but it is always something I've been interested in doing. The training is going really well and I'm enjoying keeping fit.
"I don't know yet who I'll be fighting but the most important thing is raising money for Ronald McDonald House. The staff there are brilliant and did a wonderful job during Riley's life."
Riley's mum Anne, 29, and her family, who still live in Devon, will be making the 200-mile trip to cheer on Carla on the big night.
She told the Express & Star the loss of Riley was the toughest moment in her life.
"What Carla has decided to do is such a heart-warming gesture which has touched us all," she said.
"We will be going to Wolverhampton and supporting her all the way. She is every bit a winner to us no matter what happens.
"Losing Riley was just the most devastating feeling ever. He is in our thoughts everyday, we miss him so much. Losing a child that early is something you don't expect to happen and when it does it just hits you really hard."
To sponsor Carla text 'RBOX86' with your amount to 70070. For more information about the charity visit www.pinkcollarboxing.co.uk.
