I'm fundraising for hope! Changing the story of a rare cancer diagnosis
I'm fighting for Rare Cancers Australia in the Corporate Clash in Macarthur! This annual event was an initiative of Mark Scarce and Grant Butterfield, commencing in 2014. Grant sadly passed away from brain cancer in 2020 and this event is his legacy.
It helps to raise awareness and much-needed funds for carefully selected, low-administration, local charities, organisations and individuals. This year's main event beneficiary is Rare Cancers Australia (RCA), who help provide support to Australians diagnosed with rare, less common or complex cancer. RCA stands in the patients corner and their support knows no limits.
On Saturday, 2nd August 2025, I will be fighting for the 40,000 Australians diagnosed with a rare cancer each year and to help RCA.
Every dollar raised from this fundraising page will help provide specially made support packs to all of RCA's patients, that's more than 1,000 each year. These support packs help to bring joy to people going through one of the hardest chapters of their lives.
RCA is a Federal Government-classified Health Promotion Charity. All donations are fully tax deductible.
Thank you so much for your support.
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WEEK 1: REALITY CHECK
Wednesday 7th May
My First Boxing Training Session: Exhaustion, Reality Check, and the Start of Something New
If you had told me a year ago that I’d be stepping into a boxing ring, I probably would’ve laughed it off. I’ve always been someone who appreciates general fitness, but boxing? That was a whole new ballgame. But yesterday marked the day to get started — and I walked out of my first session feeling exhausted, unfit, and, strangely, incredibly motivated.
The Excitement Before the Exhaustion
The moment I walked into the gym, I could feel the energy. The sounds of gloves hitting pads, the rhythmic thud of feet shuffling on the mat, and the focus in the air – it was intense. I had watched enough boxing matches and training montages to think, “This is gonna be fun.” I couldn’t wait to get started.
But then, it hit me. Reality.
The Warm-Up: A Wake-Up Call
I started with a basic warm-up, which I expected to be a simple stretch and maybe a few light drills. Wrong. It felt like a workout on its own. Star jumps, shadowboxing, footwork drills — all designed to get the heart pumping and the body ready for what was about to come. My body wasn’t exactly used to moving in all the ways boxing demands. My legs felt heavy, my arms wobbled a bit, and I was already breathing harder than I thought I would.
At this point, I was already thinking, “I should’ve prepared better.”
But Gus reassured me — “This is just the beginning. You'll get stronger, faster, and more skilled.” The words stuck with me. It wasn’t supposed to be easy. Boxing, after all, is as much about mental toughness as physical strength.
The Technical Drills: More Humbling Than I Expected
Next up were the actual boxing drills. I learned some basic stances, jabs, crosses, and hooks. Easy enough, right? Wrong. It’s one thing to throw a punch in the air (which I did countless times in front of the mirror), but it’s another to do it with form and technique. John patiently and steadily explained and demonstrated. I absorbed what I could but mostly kept thinking rubbing my belly and patting my head would take less coordination. My punches felt strong but clumsy, and definitely not pretty.
Enter Mick. Mick reminded me numerous times to slow down and focus only on my technique (no haymakers Corinne) then finished with 'I can tell something is inside you just waiting to get out'. LOL
I quickly realized how unfit I really was for this. Every punch, every movement required not just strength but coordination and endurance. Boxing works muscles I didn’t even know I had, and by the time we were halfway through the session, I was already drenched in sweat.
I wasn’t prepared for how taxing it would be. But here's the thing — I kept going. Even though my arms felt like they were made of lead, and every jab seemed a little less clean than the last, I kept pushing through. Because the goal isn’t perfection at the start; it’s progress.
The Cool Down: Reflection and Realization
By the time the session ended, I was completely exhausted. I felt like I had been through a battle — and in many ways, I had. I had fought my own limits, pushing myself beyond what I thought I was capable of.
I was quickly informed the sessions always finish with planks... Jesus Christ my weakness. 5 minutes John wants us to hit... my eyes dart around the room to see if anyone else is also wondering if he's joking. He's not. My result: 30 long god damn seconds. Got some work to do sorry Johnny.
But even though my body was tired and sore, I was mentally invigorated. There was a part of me that couldn’t wait for the next session. This was just the beginning, after all. The start of a new chapter.
Lessons Learned and What’s Next
My first boxing session taught me a lot:
Patience is Key: I wasn’t going to become a pro overnight. It’s all about consistent effort and gradually improving.
Focus on Form: Strength without form is just force, and I learned quickly that technique is everything in boxing.
No Quick Fixes: Fitness is a journey, not a destination. I’m unfit right now, but I won’t be forever.
The exhaustion I felt today was a reminder of how far I have to go, but it was also a sign of how much room there is to grow. Boxing isn’t just a workout — it’s a mindset. And I’m committed to sticking with it, even when it gets tough.
So, here’s to the beginning. I know I’ll be sore tomorrow, but I’m already looking forward to the next training session. After all, progress doesn’t happen in one day — but it does start today.
Weigh In: 84 kgs (eeek, can't believe I'm saying that publicly)
Calories burned in session 1: 852!
ShareThank you to my Sponsors

$106.12
Trent And Nadine Runciman

$54.12
Scott Anderson
What a Great initiative. I look forward to seeing updates! Good luck to whoever dares to step in the ring with 'Money Maker Mears'

$106.12
Cathy Gavin
float like a butterfly and sting like a bee

$54.12
David Smith

$22.58
Stephen Males
All the best Corinne!

$54.12
Isaiah Gonzalez
What a cool way to fundraise for a good cause and also make sure no-one messes with you at work 💪

$54.12
Tracey Henderson
All the very best Corinne!

$54.12
Sab
Amazing Corinne! I can't wait to see you in the ring.

$54.12
Tracey Defina

$42.64
Megan Harrison

$20
Sarah Mancini
You go girl! Good on you Corinne :)

$100
Jessica Crestani
Good on ya boss!! We are all in your corner! You got this!

$520
Anonymous
A great cause that is very close to my heart. Well done Corinne!

$54.12
Monique Bishop
You are an inspiration Corinne, and incredibly brave!

$54.12
Andrew
Awesome cause

$50
Taz
Thanks for opportunity to contribute to the cause.

$54.12
Monique Dunlop
You are amazing!

$54.12
Rochelle Whipps
Amazing you are putting yourself out there and pushing your limits for such a great cause!!

$78.45
Mitch Arundel

$54.12
Emma Hughes
What a journey you are on! Wishing you the absolute very best with this! You will kill it Em x

$54.12
Kate Stares
You’re incredible already! Can I watch with my eyes closed? 🫣

$211
Mum
I know when you put your mind to something there is no stopping you

$54.12
Linda Cruze
You are amazing . Such a great cause . Good luck 😘

$106.12
Chris And Amanda
This was made for you. We can’t wait to see you in the ring, but more than that, we know you will give 1000% and look forward watching this all unfold and seeing everything you will achieve xx

$20
Brendan Zattera

$250
Justin Collins
I wouldn’t take you on… great cause and well done C… love Collins clan

$50
Michelle Sheehan
Go get ‘em Chief Bean Counter!

$54.12
Sarah Bell
Go get ‘em

$100
Andrew & Dannielle Lovett

$106.12
Team Rochester
Great cause Corinne - go get ‘em girl 💪

$263.75
Such a great cause Corinne! Good on you and best of luck x