NON-LEAGUE goal king Ray Turner swapped his football boots for boxing gloves in the name of charity.

No stranger to packing a punch in the penalty area, he proved equally adept in the boxing ring as he raised a phenomenal £1,420 for Cancer Research.

The former Stanway Rovers, Wivenhoe Town and FC Clacton hero tested his newfound skills in a heavyweight contest against rugby player Ben Bird.

"It was the hardest thing I've done but I managed two training sessions a week, regular one-to-ones and was in the gym most days," he said.

"I have huge respect for anyone that boxes.

"It's incredibly tough but it was a fantastic experience and I was so happy and proud to raise lots of money for such a great cause, having lost by dad to cancer when I was just 16.

"It's such a horrible disease and I've talked about getting involved in a charity boxing match for years.

"That's why I finally decided to take the plunge, in memory of my dad."

Turner, who also played for Halstead Town and Brantham Athletic, now runs Razor’s Soccer School, based at PlayFootball Colchester, in Sheepen Road.

He is also manager of Stanway Pegasus and head of youth at Pegasus.

"I won on a unanimous points decision over three rounds," added the 38-year-old, whose fight took place at ATIK nightclub in Colchester High Street on July 14.

"In the third round, the referee stopped it to give my opponent a standing-eight count.

"It really was a great occasion and I'd like to thank everyone who sponsored and supported me, in addition to the Ultra White Collar Boxing team.

"They were absolutely fantastic and put on a great night."

To make a donation, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/raymond-turner