Lee is new face of Thistles

A young boxer who has battled cancer is being showcased in a new marketing campaign for Stirling’s Thistles shopping centre.

Teenager Lee Welsh, who trains at Jonesy’s Boxing Club in Stirling, is the first face of the centre’s #Stirlingshines campaign.

Thirteen-year-old Lee was diagnosed with nonHodgkin’s lymphoma in 2016 and recently completed an aggressive course of chemotherapy.

He is now making a name for himself inside the ring with an impressive medal haul.

Lee has been encouraged by messages of support from many of his sporting idols and is now a fundraiser for other children battling lifethreatening illnesses.

He said:“I never knew when I started boxing that it would one day help me to prepare for my battle with cancer.

“I’m not afraid of anyone or anything now so my motto in the ring has become‘fear no foe’.

“It doesn’t get any worse than what I’ve been through. That’s been my biggest opponent by far and I decided to beat it with a knockout. “I’ve never felt stronger and I’m ready to try and add a few more medals to my collection.”

Thistles director Gary Turnbull said:“What an incredible inspiration Lee Welsh is. He epitomises the spirit of our campaign and it was a pleasure to welcome him into Thistles.“