WILLIAM Farrell came up trumps in his first ever boxing contest – despite nearly missing it because of raised blood pressure.

Honda worker William, who lives in Pew Hill, Chippenham, has pushed himself to the limit training over the last 10 weeks as part of the charity Zero to Hero fitness programme.

It all culminated on Saturday with a match in front of nearly 2,000 spectators at the Oasis.

The 43-year-old arrived pumped up and ready to fight but was told he was not allowed to because his blood pressure was too high.

After a time it decreased to a level organisers were happy with and William was able to go in the ring.

He said: “I stepped through the curtains and the noise was off the scale, with people chanting and singing my name. I finished the fight with the tank empty; everything I had was used up.

“When I was lucky enough to be awarded the win by the judges the place was rocking, the noise deafening. This incredible journey will stay with me for life.”

William, who by day works at the South Marston factory, has raised more than £700 for the Acute Stroke Unit at the Royal United Hospital in Bath, after a close friend of his suffered a stroke last year.