Fighters swapped boxing rings for fairy wings in a week-long fundraising event.

Kickboxing instructors from Masters Academy, which teaches martial arts to people of all ages and abilities in Loughton, Epping, Chingford and Walthamstow dressed up in fairy costumes throughout their lessons last week.

The 10 instructors, six men and four women, donned the fancy dress to raise money for Joni Mai, a seven-year-old girl who is undergoing cancer treatment for a second time.

The pink princesses managed to raise £2,000 after initially aiming for £500 from people paying to take lessons with the fairy fighters.

Matt Chapman, 38, owner of Masters Academy, said: “We wanted to do something a little different.

“I don’t know why I had the idea, it seemed quite funny and un-macho and it was applicable to Joni because she likes princesses.

“We were pleased everyone was so keen to do the classes and it was great we raised so much.”

Joni was chosen because Mr Chapman’s wife, Emma, is friends with one of her teachers who had told her about Joni’s condition.

Mr Chapman is now considering asking his 600 members to give an extra pound to their monthly membership fees in order to raise a monthly amount for Joni’s treatment.

For more information on Masters Academy contact Matt Chapman on 0208 787 7048