Local wrestler Hayden Loeve, 31, better known as “Dutch” to wrestling fans, has raised £2,135 at a charity event he organised in memory of his mum.
The Lincoln Fight Factory Wrestling Heavy Weight Champion began planning the Body Slam to Cancer event the day after his Mum, Dee Mansell, died following a four year battle with cancer.
Hayden said: “Mum had always wanted to see me fight in the ring but sadly due to her illness she never got the chance. We had planned for her and a friend to come and watch but she was rushed into hospital where she died three days later.
“We had often spoken about putting on a show for charity as Mum was desperate to give something back to the people who had helped her through her darkest times. That’s why, alongside my wife and brothers, I threw myself into organising this event. I was determined to achieve Mum’s goals for her.”
Dee, 54, was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer in 2010 and despite being given the all clear the cancer returned. This time she had found a cancerous lump on her neck which had spread into her lungs.
Hayden said: “Even when Mum received the second diagnosis she remained positive and hopeful that she may get better. I had read enough on the internet to know that this outcome was very unlikely, but I didn’t say anything to her, I just let her enjoy the time she had left.
“Part of her enjoying the time she had left was the time she spent at St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice in Gainsborough. When the word ‘hospice’ was first mentioned it set alarm bells ringing in my head. I thought it would be like a care home, all doom and gloom and depressing.
“I couldn’t have been more wrong. The place was warm and welcoming, and the staff and volunteers went the extra mile to look after the entire family. It was a relief to know that Mum was getting the help she needed and that we would be involved in her care.”
Dee regularly attended the Day Therapy Centre in Gainsborough where she accessed complementary therapies, such as Indian Head Massage, Reiki and relaxation techniques.
Hayden said: “I remember speaking to Mum after she’d had a massage and she told me how good it had made her feel. She said she felt completely relaxed and at ease, which was a welcome relief from the side effects she was experiencing from her medication.
“Day Therapy also provided Mum with crucial social support. She had the opportunity to make new friends and speak to people in a similar situation to her own. St Barnabas played a crucial role in Mum’s journey, right until the end, and for that reason alone we were compelled to give something back.”
The Body Slam to cancer wresting event was held at Yarborough Leisure Centre on Friday 10th October and attracted an audience of over 350 people. The event saw support from wrestlers across the country who battled to win the Dee Mansell Charity Memorial Cup.
Hayden said: “We are so grateful for each and every person who helped to make this event a success. Everybody donated their time which meant as much money as possible went directly to charity.
“We are already in talks with St Barnabas for next year’s Body Slam to Cancer which we hope will be even bigger and better. The show helped us to grieve as a family and putting our efforts into something positive made us feel good again.
“I hope that we can create a lasting legacy to Mum. The strong, courageous and passionate woman who just wanted to give something back.”