DAVID Barnes epitomises the spirit of sport.

The kick boxing referee has never let anything get in his way - including his own ill health.

Despite having his world turned upside down when he was diagnosed with a form of leukaemia in 2005, David continued to train at Fit2Fight Kick Boxing in Accrington and officiate at shows across the North West.

The 65-year-old still trains twice a week and is a keen cyclist.

“I never knew I was ill until I had a blood test because I was due to travel abroad.

“They discovered I had a form of leukaemia so I spent a few days in Christie’s in Manchester and now I am on medication every day.

“But it is one of those things, I just never wanted to give up so I carry on training and refereeing.”

The gym is like a form of medication in itself for David who helps coach the youngsters - and the award is also a welcome tonic.

“It was lovely to win the award,” he said. “The whole evening was a great experience and it was great to hear so many inspiring stories.”

David’s path in to sport was through his youngsters and he hasn’t looked back.

“We answered an ad in the paper for a karate club before moving on to kick boxing.”

Seeing youngsters come in to the club and progress is what gives David the most satisfaction.

He said: “I have been training for a long time at the same gym and to see six and seven years old come in and then 10 years later, see them winning area and national titles and then going on to university is just fantastic.”