Boxing star Joe Calzaghe has donated a special pair of gloves to raise money for a sick girl.

Calzaghe signed the gloves at a Hanwell tattoo studio on Thursday (September 24) to be sold at an auction for Royal Brompton Hospital.

The former super middleweight world champion was visiting West London Ink for a tattoo in memory of his grandfather, who passed away two months ago, when he signed the boxing gloves.

He made the donation after hearing friend - and studio owner - David Hourihane’s cousin’s daughter, 10-year-old Lila, is awaiting a heart transplant.

The boxing gloves will go on auction at a charity event at the Bedford Arms, in Fulham, on Saturday night (September 26).

Some of the money raised will go towards helping Lila realise her dream of visiting New York after her transplant.

David said: “The gloves will be auctioned off and hopefully will raise a fair bit of money. When I mentioned to Joe that I was going to the charity event he was more than happy to help. Thank you Joe!”

Joe Calzaghe's tattoo

Lila was born with a congenital heart condition and her health began to deteriorate over recent years.

After years of specialised care, Lila is now on the heart transplant register.

There will be a barbecue and a raffle held at the charity event this weekend, as well as karaoke and the auction.