Having watched friends and family battle the disease, the 42-year-old donned the boxing gloves for the Perth Corporate Rumble on Saturday to raise awareness for the work of not-for-profit Breast Cancer Care WA.
Going up against an opponent half her age for the Verve Recovery Cup, Ms Fitzpatrick held her own in the bout and went three rounds before losing the match on points.
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She said she got into the event after friends pushed her to do so because she loved a challenge, but that she had enjoyed every moment.
“I’d boxed for fitness but had never sparred, so it was eight weeks of an intense learning curve and I’ve loved every minute,” she said.
“It was the most amazing experience I have ever had and I learned so much about myself and feel like I have grown as a person.
“We are bigger than ourselves and our own needs and coming together like this reminds you how important connecting with people is, helping them is, stepping out of your boundaries is.
“Thank you to Louanne Ward who jumped to the challenge, to sponsor me to jump in the ring.
“We were connected by a common thread of having been touched by the desire to help where we could and have forged a friendship.”