A BARROW boxing gym owner has put together a special training club for people living with disabilities and hopes to spread this new idea to other gyms.

Jeff Moses, head boxing coach at Barrow Amateur Boxing Club on Brook Street, has been welcoming people from various backgrounds who live with disabilities to the gym where they can enjoy some training, fitness and learn about the ‘sweet science’.

In addition to offering a safe and exciting training environment for people and their carers, Jeff has also introduced them to professional boxer Taylor Finch who will be making his pro-debut this month.

Jeff said: “It’s one of the best things we’ve done.

“The whole thing started not too long ago when I was asked by Les Mcleese if I could introduce one of the groups that he worked with to a bit of training.

“We had people from all kinds of backgrounds, abilities and places come down for a little taster session in boxing.

“As a result of that we were inspired to make it more permanent thing, and from that came Box Ability.

“People seemed very keen to get involved in the program and every time we do it you can just see how much they’re enjoying it.

“They’re smiling, laughing, and enjoying everything about it. I love to see it.

“We put these on every Tuesday and we get so many people coming down to join us.

“The gym itself is on one floor so it has wheelchair access. We like the fact that we can cater for anyone and everyone here.

“They’re all really excited to join in training, and they have their carers come with them so they get to enjoy seeing them train.

“The sessions speak for themselves. People get to work on coordination which really helps people living with MS for example, and it gives them ways to work on footwork, cardio, and general fitness.

“We had Taylor Finch come down and meet the Box Ability group this week. His dad Alvin and I have known each other for many years.

“As he’s got his first pro-fight coming up this month, we thought it would be good to introduce him to the guys.

“It’s a knock-on effect. They come to training, they get into it, they meet a pro-boxer and some will even come down to his match on Bolton.

“We’ve even had England Boxing get in touch with us about the group so I would really like to see the idea spread across other gyms.

“It’s important to give people the opportunities we have and get everyone involved.

"They're all fighters."

Jeff is a former professional boxer himself and had been fighting since the age of 11. He took over the gym 20 years ago and is a well-known trainer in the area.

He added: “Anyone who wants to join us is more than welcome.

“We have lads and lasses with various conditions, and we all work together to hep each other get the most out of this.

“We even have one lad named Jack who is 13. He goes to Chorley for therapy but then comes all the way back and comes straight to training because he never wants to miss it.”