World title Northampton athlete wants to empower vulnerable women through boxing

Chantelle Cameron – who was agonisingly close to earning a place at the Rio Olympics as part of the GB boxing squad in 2016 – believes it is important to help women to feel that they are seen and heard in the darkest of circumstances.As part of a new idea, the World IBO Lightweight title champ wants to host boxing classes aimed at women who might have suffered from domestic abuse, live in refuges or have poor mental health and is reaching out to charities in the town to help and support them. Alongside the boxing lessons, she will also incorporate emotional wellbeing coaching in a bid to teach women self-worth and empowerment and has teamed up with local psychotherapeutic counsellor, Ella McCrystal and Northampton Clinic to achieve this. She said: "I don't think people are as aware of women's domestic abuse and it certainly isn't talked about or supported as much as I believe it should be.

"Domestic abuse can cause many health issues and ruin lives - I want to be able to help and support these women as much as I can."

All proceeds from the lessons will be donated back to the charities.

She added: "Boxing has given me the confidence I never had before. During a boxing session, and after, I feel physically and mentally so much stronger and positive.

"I feel a lot happier after exercise and even a run also makes me feel a lot happier.”For more information about the classes, Chantelle can be contacted on [email protected].