BOXING novice Dale Heenan can pack a punch when slugging it out in the political arena – but then he got a taste of his own medicine when a broken rib sent him flying out of a white collar boxing competition.

The 35-year-old, who is standing for re-election as a Conservative councillor in the Covingham and Dorcan ward this May, signed up to take part in a match as part of the ZerotoHero challenge in aid of Swindon Guide Dogs and Technology for the Disabled.

But a crafty right hook which crunched his side in a sparring match resulted in a broken rib and ousted the political heavyweight and novice boxer from the bout.

“I was really disappointed about not being able to fight for the two charities, which were Swindon Guide Dogs and Technology for the Disabled,” he said.

“But I’m going to reschedule the fight for September, so I can be fighting fit for it.

“I am very disappointed to have an injury, but I have raised £881 for Swindon Guide Dogs and Technology for the Disabled, so the pain is worth it.

“While I am not fighting at the Oasis on May 9, 20 other guys are and they have put in just as much effort for themselves and charities.”

The injury has meant he has had to postpone training for six weeks, but he is already making a speedy recovery.

“Five weeks into the 10-week training course for the May 9 fight I was sparring and I took a blow to my ribs by a right hook from my opponent.

"I didn’t think anything of it at first, I just felt a bit winded. But day by day it got more and more sore.

“After four days I went into A&E to find out I had broken a rib. The hospital was fantastic, I was seen within 30 minutes and it was diagnosed within three hours.

“Since then I’ve been improving and I was quickly able to function as usual and have been out campaigning, speaking to residents and going through case work.”

Due to the nature of the sport Dale will not find out who his new opponent will be until nearer the time.

He said: “I was due to find out just after the injury who my opponent for the May 9 match was. All I know is that it will be one of 23 competitors also taking part in the Zero2Hero challenge.”

After Dale decided to take on the challenge he enlisted the help of local sporting hero Jamie Cox to show him the ropes.

He said: “I turned 35 in January and really feel that I want, and need, to do something for me, something different, fun, interesting and if it challenged any assumptions people might have about me all the better.

“I have no previous boxing experience or anything like it, so I’ve been trying to get in some early training and learn the basics.

“I want to win, but if I don’t take this seriously then I know I will get battered.

“On hearing I had signed up for the Zero2Hero boxing challenge, a friend put me in touch with top local boxer and former Commonwealth Games gold medallist Jamie Cox.

“Jamie agreed to give me extra one-to-one lessons to help my technique and fitness at his gym, the Arena at Crowood House on Gipsy Lane.

“He has been a great trainer, and I have a new found respect for boxers as athletes because it’s hard work, but a lot of fun.”

Anyone who wants to donate to Dale's cause can do so by visiting uk.virginmoneygiving.com/DaleHeenan