'Boxing has saved my life', says British champion

A woman who was crowned British boxing champion says the sport saved her life, by providing an outlet to process her relationship breakdown "in a positive way".

Lucy Payne won the Union Boxing Federation (UBF) title last monthafter a victory at Blake Hall, Bridgwater.

The single-mum from Carhampton, Somerset, defeated her opponent while suffering from a dislocated shoulder and a torn rotator cuff.

She said: "My determination and stubbornness proves that I will achieve my goals each and every time, no matter what's going on in my life."

Ms Payne trains and coaches at Tavern Fitness and Martial Arts in Watchet, which she affectionally refers to as a "second family".

• Listen to her full story on BBC Radio

She says walking into the club for the first time five years ago changed the trajectory of her life.

"The person I was five years ago, I very much would doubt that I'd still be here now to be honest," she said.

"I was in a very, very dark place. I had split up with my boys' father and really lost myself, I struggled through each and every day.

"So the fact I've achieved these belts is the most magical moment there is. Boxing has truly saved my life."

Ms Payne was also crowned the English boxing champion at her fight in April, and plans to take on the European championships next year.

"Being a woman, I've always felt quite strong but never had an opportunity to show my strength in any way," she said.

"I absolutely thrive on discipline, it makes me feel alive. I'm always looking for the next goal or achievement."

Ms Payne said when she first took up the sport, her two sons were "apprehensive", worried about their mum's safety.

But after seeing her thrive in the ring, they eventually came round to the idea.

"I think they saw the joy that I had from the boxing itself," said Ms Payne.

"I don't ever let my children see that I'm really unhappy if I can help it, but I think they saw this other side of me come out. They became really supportive towards it.

"It's just been us for the last nine years, so when they say they're proud of me it does make me feel really emotional.

"I want to prove to them that with hard work and determination, you can do anything you put your mind to."

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