A BOXER forced to quit the ring due to a crippling condition longs to walk down the aisle unaided with his fiancée.

Lee Barber, 39, was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2014 but believes he has been living with the debilitating disorder for almost 20 years.

After being diagnosed in 2014, his health has deteriorated and he now faces a race against time.

"Although I'm on medication now to slow it down, I'm fighting to stop MS in its tracks in the hope that I can walk confidently next to my fiance without crutches and stay out of a wheelchair," said game designer Lee.

Northwich Guardian:

Lee Barber proposed to fiancée Louise Makepeace-Nunn two years ago on Lake Garda

After researching treatment options, he is confident that hematopoietic stem cell therapy, which attempts to reboot the immune system responsible for damaging the brain and spinal cord, is his only hope.

Lee has set up a Go Fund Me campaign to raise £43,000 for stem cell therapy in Russia or Mexico.

Boxing Fit Academy in Lostock hopes to help Lee Barber's Italian dream wedding come true by hosting a charity sparring day on Saturday, February 8.

Lee's close friend boxer Matt Hill will be attempting 12 two-minute rounds of sparring without stopping.

Northwich Guardian:

Boxer Matt Hill training ahead of his 12 rounds of sparring to help his friend Lee Barber

Adults and children are invited to come along to the gym on Works Lane to have a go in the ring even if you've never worn a pair of boxing gloves before.

Northwich Guardian:

Faith Kirk is one of the young members at Boxing Fit Academy

Coach Karen Lewis said: "All ages are welcome. We're hoping for a really big turnout. Our England Boxing coaches will be here from 7am to 7pm to supervise and make sure everyone is kept safe. We want both rings to be really busy all day.

Northwich Guardian:

Lileah Richardson practising her boxing skills

"Anyone who is a regular at the club knows what a chilled out atmosphere it is and how friendly all our members are. So come down and see us for however long you can and get in the ring for a couple of rounds, try out the pads if you're new and want to give boxing a try.

"People can just be a spectator enjoying the social aspect. Refreshments will be available."

Karen, a trained masseuse, will also be offering a 10 minute massage for £5.

Northwich Guardian:

Mark Hughes developing his boxing skills at Boxing Fit Academy

"We are hoping to raise a good amount for Lee to get the stem cell therapy he needs, so whatever donation you can spare will be gratefully received and much appreciated."

Lee first experienced numbness and tingling in his right leg when he was only 22.

"Even when I was doing combat sports, I was feeling them but just got on with it," said Lee. "I was fighting the symptoms but never told anyone. I didn't have drugs or anything for almost 20 years. MS is really hard to diagnose. I want to raise awareness of the disease as well as raising money."

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Lee is grateful for everyone's support.

"I feel like it is a ticking timebomb," he said. "Knowing that something in my body is making me get worse day after day. I was a strong bloke and all of a sudden I'm on sticks.

Northwich Guardian:

Lee Barber hopes to stop the progression of MS by undergoing stem cell therapy

"I feel embarrassed when I stumble and fall over.

"Stem cell therapy doesn't get rid of MS but it stops the progression. It will allow me to get around on sticks and stop me getting any worse.

"I'm trying my best to stay out of a wheelchair."

To donate visit gofundme.com/f/stopping-19-years-of-ms-progression-with-hsct