Pembroke ABC - making a difference to disabled people’s lives

Pembroke and Pembroke Dock ABC hosts disabled and inclusive boxing sessions every Thursday evening from 5pm – 8:30pm.

The club is run by Christopher McEwen, the chairman of Great Britain Disability Boxing and a former soldier with bipolar disorder.

Pembroke ABC chairman Chris McEwen (left), boxing coach Rob Couzens (right). (Image: Newsquest)Christopher, who is also Chairman of Pembroke and Pembroke Dock Amateur boxing club, said: “We became one of the first boxing clubs to teach disability. I offer free support to any boxing club or anyone who wants to get involved in boxing.

“I ripped my knee cap off and from that I’ve got nerve damage. I've also got bipolar. While I was off, my local boxing club was about to close. But I raised the money and purchased this facility.

“I went into schools and coached disabled children. Even though, at first, they didn’t want me to. I was also one of the first to allowed disabled boxers to become coaches.”

Despite suffering from various disabilities, those who attend the sessions have experienced life-changing benefits.

They spoke to the Western Telegraph about how life has changed for them since taking up the sport. 

Brandon Merrony is 16-years-old and has Gomez Lopez Hernandez Syndrome. (Image: Newsquest)Brandon Merrony started boxing four years ago. He said: "It has built up my confidence and strengthened my legs and arms. Chris came into the school offering the chance to try boxing. I decided to try it and I enjoyed it.”

Taylor Lewis is a 14-year-old with autism, ADHD and Oppositional Defiant Disorder. (Image: Newsquest)Meanwhile, Taylor Lewis took up the sport after Chris visited his school three years ago. He said: "It has helped me control my anger and grow stronger.”

Cai Cole is a 15-year-old transgender male with autism and ADHD. (Image: Newsquest)Cai Cole also met Chris in school. "I was in year eight and when I met him," said Cai. "I was very shy. I did disability boxing in school and I’m a transgender male. I want to compete for Wales and show people that a trans man can do the same thing a born man can do.”

Sarah Greener is 28-years-old and has Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. (Image: Newsquest)

Twenty-eight year old Sarah Greener first started boxing one year ago. She said: "It’s given me more drive, confidence, and physical strength. It also gives me a sense of belonging. Chris can adapt sessions when I’m injured. It’s hard to keep fit when you have a disability, but I enjoy being part of something.”

Delton Williams is 15-years-old and has Spina bifida. (Image: Newsquest)

Delton Williams loves going to the club every Thursday. "It's a lot of fun," he said. "I get to talk to people, socialise and sing here.”

Ellie Blundale is 16-years-old and has Cerebral Palsy. (Image: Newsquest)

Ellie Blundale, who has been going to the club for just over a year said she looks forward to the sessions. "It’s just something I enjoy and it's taught me to communicate with other people."

Finnlay Walters is nine years old and has Cerebral Palsy. (Image: Newsquest)

Young Finnlay Walters, who is just nine years old began boxing has been attending for over a year and he said it has boosted his confidence. "I look forward to it every week," he said. It's made me stronger, more confident and given me more friends." 

Fellow boxer, Paul Phillips, who was one of the first people who signed up to the sessions when Chris started said he had been interested in boxing since he was a child, but thought his disability would hold him back. 

He added: “Boxing is normally about macho able-bodied men, but barriers are being broken down to treat you like an ordinary person.”

For more information about disabled boxing at Pembroke and Pembroke Dock ABC, visit the website.