'Punching a bag helps release the hurt inside'

A man who was previously addicted to drugs and alcohol says boxing replaced his vices and helped him turn his life around.

Former European champion boxer Ewan Welsh made a bet in the pub with his friend that he was going to get into the sport.

An epileptic seizure while in the ring meant the end of his time as an athlete, but coaching others gave him another avenue to pursue.

He went on to set up the "Brothers In Arms" group at Korefitness in Silverdale, Staffordshire, where men can learn to box and open up about their issues.

Participant Ethan Mourn said the retired boxer's group was a place where he felt able to talk.

"I was in a kind of dark place, confused and bit emotional, but then I came here, spoke to Ewan and he's helped me quite a lot," he said.

Another participant, Josh Shepard, said he lost his job after his dad and cousin died within the space of six months.

He felt boxing with the group helped him, and that he also benefitted from chatting to others.

"The gym just didn't do it for me," he said. "Just punching a bag really does just release a lot inside hurt."

He said he was hooked after his first session, and the brew and biscuits at the end were an important reason for attending.

"There's nowhere I'd rather be," he added.

Ben Betts, a mental health coach at the group, explained working out helped release endorphins, which in turn enabled the men to feel more able to open up.

"Even if you're having a really bad week, you can come here and hit the bag, release your evil energies," he said.

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