Martial arts brothers to fight for dad

SECONDS out . . . brothers Stuart (left) and Andrew Lorne

BROTHERS Stuart and Andrew Lorne are gearing up for the fight of their lives.

The Failsworth martial arts duo have been inspired by their father’s courage to flex their muscles against more experienced fighters.

For Stuart Lorne senior is battling cancer, and his brave fight has proved the catalyst for his sons to use their skills to raise money for charity.

The pair will fight in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support at a mixed martial arts event in Preston on March 10. Stuart (29) has been training for three years, while his younger brother Andrew (27) began a year ago.

They both decided to use their skills to raise money for the charity, which has been a big support to their family.

“Dad was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour in September,” explained Stuart. “We decided we wanted to do something to help and this seemed a good way. We both feel confident. It’s not about winning or losing, it just about doing what we do.”

Stuart, who lives in Farm Street, Failsworth, with his wife, Natalie, and their two daughters, Eve (six) and Alex (one), and Andrew, who lives in Pendragon Place, Oldham, will both fight three three-minute rounds.

Their father, who also lives in Failsworth with their mother, Pam, chose Macmillan to benefit from the proceeds of his sons’ efforts. Stuart said: “Dad is so proud and noble and it has been hard for him.

“Macmillan are not only helping him to cope, but helping our mum with emotional support. They help any way we want.”

The pair have already raised £1,700 for the fight. They are urging Oldhamers to pledge a few pounds to boost the amount they can donate to Macmillan Cancer Support. Anyone who wants to sponsor the pair can do so at www.justgiving.com/ fightingfitmartialarts.