Harper student Ted, hopes for a knock-out in Cancer Research UK charity boxing match.

A food product development student who discovered a love for boxing during his studies at Harper Adams is set to take to the canvas for a charity bout.

Ted Le Rendu, a third-year BSc (Hons) Food Technology and Product Development student, began boxing two years ago in a bid to boost his fitness. Now Ted – who is currently working for Birds Eye in Norwich as a Product Development Technologist during his placement year – is set to take to the ring later this summer to raise money for cancer research.

He said: “After starting to box, I ended up developing a strong interest in the sport as I loved the thrill and adrenaline rush it gave me. I soon decided to start participating in boxing matches.

“I took part in my first white collar fight in Manchester in September 2019, which unfortunately ended badly for me in the 2nd round when I was knocked down and the fight was stopped, making it a big win for my opponent.

“Since then my passion for the sport has grown even more and I’m now training hard for my 2nd fight in Norwich whilst working on my placement year, with the aim of coming back strong and winning.”

Ted’s next fight will be held on August 7 and the event - held by Ultra White Collar Boxing – sees every boxer taking part working to raise money for Cancer Research UK, whose work helps doctors, nurses and scientists to beat cancer sooner.

He added: “I’m training every single day – it’s very intense we are all made to push ourselves to the limits.

“Getting punched in boxing is the most physically and mentally draining thing I have ever experienced, and something that I will never fully get used to, but I’m determined to carry on and win my next fight.”

Ted’s training is being fitted in around his work at Birds Eye – part of a placement year which all Harper Adams students undertake, and which helps them to understand the needs of industry before completing their degree by gaining hands-on experience.

As well as the placement year, Ted was also interested in coming to Harper Adams to enjoy both its campus atmosphere and its specialised courses.

He added: “I went to a land-based college in a rural setting in Nantwich, Cheshire and studied food technology, so Harper Adams was highly recommended to me - both for its similar student life and campus culture, and for its speciality in courses that support global issues such as food, agriculture and the supply chain.

“Studying at Harper for the past three years has been great. The student life is very lively - and I feel like I’m definitely studying the right course for what I want to do in the future, which is a career in new product development.”

Anyone who wants to sponsor Ted for his bout on August 7 can do so by clicking this link.