Local funeral director takes on boxing ring and Mount Kilimanjaro for charity

A Tameside funeral director is swapping her traditional attire for boxing gloves and hiking boots as she takes on two major fundraising challenges in support of local charity Purple Heart Wishes.

Emma Jones, who works daily supporting families through bereavement at her company Perry Jones Funeral Services, is stepping into the ring this April for an Ultra White Collar Boxing match in Manchester, before travelling to Tanzania in September to climb Mount Kilimanjaro - all to raise money and awareness for the charity.

Emma’s first challenge will see her take part in a white-collar boxing event at Bowlers Exhibition Centre in Manchester. Although she won’t know who she is fighting until the week before, she has already begun training and admits the prospect is nerve-wracking.

“It’s definitely a challenge,” Emma said. “I’ve done bits of boxing before, but stepping into the ring is something completely different. I think once you commit, you just have to give it everything.”

Emma has set a fundraising target of £500 for the boxing match, enough to fund one complete wish through Purple Heart Wishes.

In between training sessions, Emma will also be taking part in a charity football match, another regular fixture in her fundraising calendar, before turning her focus to her biggest challenge yet: climbing Mount Kilimanjaro.

The six-day ascent, followed by a rapid descent, will take Emma to nearly 6,000 metres above sea level. While she isn’t overly worried about the physical fitness required, she admits the mental challenge and altitude sickness will be the biggest obstacles.

“It’s more about the mental side,” Emma told the Reporter. “You have to keep going step by step and knowing that every step you take is helping someone else really matters.”

Emma will fly out on September 18 and hopes to raise £5,000 for the climb which is enough to fund around ten wishes.

Purple Heart Wishes is a charity close to Emma’s heart. Founded following the terminal diagnosis of Lyndsey, a young woman from Greater Manchester who lived with a brain tumour, the charity focuses on granting meaningful, personal wishes to adults living with life-limiting illnesses - something Emma feels sets it apart.

“Purple Heart Wishes supports adults and focuses on really personal wishes,” she said. “Sometimes it’s not big or extravagant, it might be wanting to create memories with family or bring loved ones together. What they do is incredible.”

Emma, now a trustee and volunteer with the charity, says raising awareness is just as important as fundraising.

“If sharing this story helps someone donate a few pounds, or even just learn about the charity and pass it on, that’s huge.”

Emma’s eldest son will also be joining her on parts of her training walks in preparation for Kilimanjaro, having already taken part in previous charity challenges alongside his mum.

“He’s always asking what we’re doing next, it definitely helps with motivation.”

Those wishing to support Emma’s fundraising can do so here for her Mount Kilimanjaro climb or here for the white collar boxing event. All proceeds go directly to Purple Heart Wishes, helping to create lasting memories for people facing the toughest of circumstances.