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Harrogate nurse steps into MMA cage to honour late partner

Tuesday, 21 October 2025 08:51

Ceri Hemus is taking on an MMA fight next month for charity.

A Harrogate nurse is stepping into the cage this November to raise money for Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) - and to honour the memory of her late partner.

Ceri Hemus, who works at Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust, will be taking part in an amateur Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) event in Leeds on Friday 14th November.

She is raising funds for MSF (Doctors Without Borders), a charity that provides medical care to people affected by conflict, epidemics and disasters around the world.

Ceri, known in the ring as “Dodge’s Princess”, is fighting in memory of her partner Dave, affectionately known as Dodge, who passed away earlier this year following a short but devastating battle with cancer.

Ceri said:

“The pain of losing my soul mate is unbearable. But instead of rotting away, I choose to fight - literally.

“MMA has given me focus and purpose, and a way to turn my pain into something positive that can help others.”

She hopes to raise both awareness and funds for MSF, an organisation that relies entirely on public donations to deliver emergency medical aid wherever it’s needed most.

She added:

“MSF receives no government funding, which means they can act fast in an emergency.

“That independence allows them to save hundreds of innocent lives every year.”

Tickets for the fight night in Leeds are on sale now, and supporters can also donate directly to Ceri’s fundraising page here.

Ceri said every donation - no matter how small - will help her reach her goal and make a difference for people in crisis.

She said:

“Your support would mean the world to me. This fight is for Dodge — and for everyone who needs someone in their corner.”

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