A legend died last Friday, aged 74.

Boxer, philanthropist and social activist Muhammad Ali was born Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr, in Louisville, Kentucky.       

Arguably boxing's most celebrated athlete, Muhammad Ali became an Olympic gold medalist in 1960 and the world heavyweight boxing champion in 1964. 

Following his suspension for refusing military service, Ali reclaimed the heavyweight title two more times.                                                      

The heavyweight champion was also known for his public stance against the Vietnam War and his long-time battle with Parkinson's disease, after which Ali devoted much of his time to philanthropy, earning the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2005.                                                                

Britain's former world heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis and actor Will Smith will be pallbearers at Muhammad Ali's funeral on Friday.                                          

Lewis, 50, became undisputed world champion in 1999, while American Smith, 47, played Ali in the 2001 film of the same name.

Like many, I grew up watching Muhammad Ali boxing on TV —  a great show-man who stood up for his principles, a humanitarian with a big heart...  not forgetting that wicked sense of humour!                                                                                    

Comedienne Jennifer Saunders shows hard work pays off —  awarded the ‘Outstanding Contribution’ prize at the Glamour Awards on Tuesday —  her BFF Dawn French presented the award.

She joked: “Why exactly she has been rewarded for her continued bad behaviour and relentless showing off is beyond me." However, after graciously accepting, Jennifer dedicated her award to the late comedian Victoria Wood.                                                                                    

Elsewhere, 21-year-old singer and actor Charles Michael Duke  is busy campaigning to raise awareness about organ donation.  

Charles, who has cystic fibrosis is also waiting for a double lung transplant, said: “I’m very fortunate that my health is stable enough to be able to do the things I’m currently doing, but I know lots of people aren't as fortunate.

"If we help save one life, it's worth all the time and effort going into this."

A determined, positive young man, Charles vlogs his experiences with cystic fibrosis as a way of supporting others with the disease. To accompany his campaign, Charles has written a song called ‘Part of Me’ #DonateMate