Friendly mother adding heart to a historic gym

The boxing gym may have a reputation as being a hard as nails environment but one women is showing that hand-to-hand combat can have a softer side too.

For four years, Hester Schreuder has lent her golden heart to nurturing the young talent aiming to wear the golden gloves. After two years of helping out in a voluntary capacity, Hester developed a keen eye for the techniques and training methods associated with the sweet science, and can now proudly call herself a qualified boxing coach.

Despite her unassuming demeanour, the now head coach of the club’s female boxers is no pushover. She challenges every boxer in her charge to test their limits, and instils in them the characteristics needed to succeed. “Boxing is about respect, self-discipline and self-defence. A boxer does not need to fight outside of the ring, they fight in the ring,” insisted Hester.

Boxers are among the fittest athletes on the planet and Hester believes the sport requires unwavering dedication. “If you are not committed then there is no point. If you do not take it seriously, then maybe stay at home,” laughed the fluorescent-haired fireball. She is also open to offering some free training advice for those looking to get back to the bag, saying, “You need to practise for at least and hour a day, run at least 2,4km a week and do as many push-ups, sit-ups and planks as you can manage”.

Coaching out of Vikings Boxing Gym just off South Road, she and her fellow coaches focus on the boxing fundamentals, wrapped in an atmosphere of supportive unity. While not initially a goal, the mother of two has embraced her role with pride and happiness, saying, “It’s just for fun. It was never a dream but I come here to help.”