DETERMINED Redditch man Ian Nash has not only beaten the odds and boxed his way to better health but come away with the 2016 Herefordshire & Worcestershire BBC Power of Sport Award.
The Redditch Boxing Academy (RBA) coach has turned his life and health around after losing his partner and four friends in the space of just a few years.
Ian, who tipped the scales at 26st 7lbs decided – on the advice of his doctor – to get active and lose weight to improve his mental and physical health.
The RBA welcomed him and provided him with the support and encouragement he needed at every stage of his journey.
Club director and coach Sarah Lee said: “His determination and commitment to boxing were faultless and while at first he really kept himself to himself, he started to engage and become part of the RBA family.
“As the weight dropped off his health, confidence and self esteem rose and Ian found a real passion for the sport.
“We strive for a community atmosphere here, and I feel in these times where a sense of community is hard to come by, this really is the key to the success of the club.”
Ian went from volunteer to coach and director at the club and dedicates hours every week to helping and supporting other people in similar situations.
“There has been such a change in me, physically, mentally and emotionally,” he said.
“I’ve gained level one boxing accreditation, safeguarding and first aid certificates and am now well on the way to achieving many more awards that will help me progress as a competitive boxing coach.
“I am motivated and driven by wanting to give back to the community. They helped me when I needed it most and I truly feel that boxing saved my life.”
Sarah was also a finalist in the ‘Community Coach of the Year’ category and Redditch’s Claire Cashmore won the Disabled Sportsperson of the Year award.
Organised by the Sports Partnership Herefordshire and Worcestershire, the event was attended by more than 270 amateur and professional sports people, local businesses and dignitaries.
