Bid to install brain scanner for use at fights

Girlfriend of Iron Mike Towell leads fundraiser to buy life-saving equipment

The girlfriend of Iron Mike Towell has called for the boxing industry to introduce vital life-saving equipment to all levels of the sport.

Chloe Ross has launched a £13,000 fundraising drive in an attempt to save the lives of boxers who may suffer from brain injuries.

Popular Dundee boxer Iron Mike died in September after collapsing during a fight in Glasgow.

The Dundee father had previously complained of pains in his head and had asked for a brain scan three times.

The British and Irish Boxing Authority (BIBA) has announced that new scanners at fights will be introduced imminently.

Mike’s partner Chloe is now campaigning to purchase a brain scanner in memory of the fallen fighter.

She said: “We want to start some fundraising ourselves to buy a brain scanner… for Dundee and Stirling boxers… two places Michael trained.

“I know they’re expensive but you can’t put a price on someone’s life. These devices seem great, so hopefully boxing promoters start looking into getting these. They make enough money from boxers to fund one.”

Chloe hopes the initiative may ultimately save other families from suffering the kind of heartache she has endured in recent months.

“These scanners can detect if there is a problem in the head,” she explained.

“It’s something we wish was there when Michael was complaining of headaches. We have lost a partner, a son, a great friend and Rocco lost his daddy.

“If we could prevent this happening to anyone else we will try our best.”

Chloe intends to take part in a skydive in July to help raise funds for the vital equipment.

Should her fundraising efforts prove successful, Chloe plans to name the scanner after Iron Mike.

The young mum revealed: “Myself and his (Mike’s) mum have been so overwhelmed with all the support from everyone.

“We want to name this the Iron Mike Towell scanner, and at least we can say something good came from the tragedy.”

Iron Mike died on September 30 following a fight with Dale Evans.

To donate visit www.justgiving.com/ crowdfunding/chloe-ross.

Picture: Mike Day. Chloe Ross aims to purchase brain scanning equipment.