Boy, 6, takes up boxing to fight cystic fibrosis

A six-year-old boy with cystic fibrosis has taken up boxing to fight the effects of his genetic condition.

Doctors had told Jesse, from Bury St Edmunds in Suffolk, that taking part in sport would help to clear his mucus-filled lungs.

The youngster's mother, Chloe, said his breathing had been dramatically improved by the boxing training, which was giving him "the best airway clearance".

Jesse and his family recently moved from Ingatestone, Essex to enjoy more of the countryside air.

They were first given a boxing bag by Great Ormond Street Hospital when he was two years old.

Other symptoms of cystic fibrosis include a persistent cough and frequent chest infections.

"We never thought it would go to what he is doing now," Chloe told BBC Essex presenter Sonia Watson.

Jesse joined St Edmund Boxing Club not long after making the move from Essex to Suffolk.

"The day he walked into that room, it changed his life massively and [it has] definitely taken away a dark cloud over my head," Chloe added.

"Jesse is, two to three times a week, having the best airway clearance for his lungs."

The young West Ham fan was prescribed the so-called miracle drug Kaftrio in late-2023 after a change in government legislation.

It had been feared that, without it, Jesse would not have lived to his thirties.

Chloe said while her son was still on the medication, the dramatic effects she once described as life-changing had waned a little.

However, his health had been boosted by taking part in sport - something he had been averse to before.

Jesse is due to have his first ring walk in May. Coach Chas Driscoll said: "When I found out he had cystic fibrosis, I couldn't believe it.

"His boxing has improved, he works 110% in the gym. He's getting better week on week."

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