'Amazing Grace' fights her way to redemption

The 25-year-old, from Dinnington, admits she "fell off the path quite a bit" when she was a teenager at her local high school.

From there, she graduated to alcohol-induced problems and she feared she would achieve little in her life.

But now, with the help of a welcoming boxing gym, the Rotherham woman has not only found health, happiness and an aim in life, she has also turned out to be a title-winning fighter.

In just 18 months she was crowned a Yorkshire champion and won a National development title.

Looking back, Grace said life had been tough after a parental split-up and awkward educational years.

"I was living in harder times," she said, "I got excluded after getting in trouble all the time. Then I spent too much time around alcohol, took it too far, as people do.

"I was working in pubs and around it 24/7. I fell off the track (in terms of her life) and got out of sports too. Something inside me was making me want to do better. I'd enjoyed sport when I was younger, playing football for teams like Wickersley and Sheffield Wednesday U16s.

"But I'd always liked boxing and so I went to Riley's gym, Sheffield, (aged 23) to get some fitness and my life on track. I needed discipline, routine and something to work to.

"In boxing, you need fitness and you need dedication or you are not going to achieve anything." She found the gym accepting and diverse, with men and women of different ages, backgrounds and ability levels all pitching in together.

"It doesn't matter who you are; people go out their way to help."

Grace, who now works as assistant manager at Sheffield Steelers' Sports bar and has worked at Monk's Bridge Farm, Dinnington and the Winter Green, Waverley, has advice for any young females wanting a new life.

"Just go for it. Nothing is holding you back, join a gym. Do it for yourself.

"It's hard and gruelling but it's all in a great atmosphere – there is always a lot of laughs. It's rewarding mentally, emotionally and physically.

"You meet people you wouldn't necessarily meet and nobody is judging you, so you feel at ease," says 5ft 3ins Grace, who operates in the 54-57kg division and may turn professional next year.

Her trainer, Steve Dakin, has been proud of Grace's development.

"I'm as proud as punch as her coach. I honestly believe Grace is the real deal and set for a very bright future."

He recognised Grace had a difficult childhood.

"She needed a disciplined focus and structure. Grace played football from a young age and craved a more holistic competitive sport where she could have an outlet to vent her frustrations in a controlled, safe environment. Stepping into Rileys was just what the doctor ordered; she immediately felt at home. "She’s dedicated herself to training intensively. She's the most dedicated person I've ever worked with," said Steve.

"I'm also proud to call her my friend, we do laugh a lot. This girl has so much unharvested talent and we are striving to bring out the very best in 'Amazing Grace'."