THE gloves were off as police officers tackled childhood disabilities and diseases.

Some of Hampshire's bravest men and women stepped into the ring for Hampshire Constabulary's fifth annual The Force Awakens charity boxing match which raised a record breaking £15,000.

The cash will be split between four charities including the Southampton-based Flutterby Fund which supports children with mental or physical disabilities and Heartburn Cancer, which supports people with oesophageal cancer.

Funds will also go to Ataxia UK, which funds research into cures and treatments for Friedreich's ataxia, a rare progressive disease which affects just 500 children in the UK including Detective Sergeant Simon Price and PC Caroline Prices' 14-year-old son Thomas, from Southampton. The life-limiting condition causes nervous system damage and problems moving.

PC Price, who is based at Southampton Central police station, said: “We were initially beyond devastated with this bombshell, but because of Thomas’s unwavering positive outlook we have carried on as a family with happiness, hope and determination.

“There is currently no cure for this progressive condition which is gradually taking away Thomas's mobility and he now has a wheelchair, which he is using more frequently.”

Cash will also go to the Rainbow Centre in Fareham which supports boxing coach PC Colin Dale's three-year-old grandson Alfie Rendell, from Gosport, who has quadriplegic cerebral palsy, which affects all four of his limbs and his ability to speak and swallow.

The little boy visits the centre three times a week to play with other children with cerebral palsy and to get physiotherapy.

PC Andy Darbyshire from Hampshire Police's Netley headquarters, who organised the event, said: “I’d like to pass on my thanks to all the people that contributed to the Force Awakens Charity Boxing night, both to the teams and the spectators.

“We have now raised over £15,000 for four charities. My thanks to the 24 boxers who gave up their time to train and take part and congratulations to the red team, who were lead to victory by captain by Detective Inspector Will Whale.

“This is the largest amount we have raised at one of our charity events and I am so proud of both teams.”

For more information or to donate visit uk.virginmoneygiving.com/theforceawakens.