A 22-year-old student is swapping books for boxing gloves next week for a cause close to her heart.
Xeorelle Shipley is studying criminology at Hull College with the hope of one day becoming a barrister.
But next Friday, it will be her fists doing the talking when she steps into the ring for the first time in a charity boxing match.
The 22-year-old is being supported in her studies by Nurture a Child – an organisation that works with looked-after children.
Xeorelle is pulling on the boxing gloves as a way of giving back to the charity that supported when she was younger, and is now helping her fulfil her dream of becoming a barrister.
Xeorelle said: “I was in care when I was younger and Nurture a Child helped me at Christmases, so I just wanted to give something back to them.
“Me and my sisters used to box as children and we used to do karate, as my uncles were karate instructors in Hull. But in terms of boxing, I’ve never boxed properly. Nothing like this or on this scale.
Xeorelle is one of 18 boxers enduring the tough training schedule and stepping into the ring at Walton Street Club on Friday 3 May.
She said: “I’ve been training about six weeks. It’s been really hard. I’ve never put my body through something as tough as this.
“I have always wanted to compete in a charity boxing match as I believe I can accomplish anything I put my mind to and I love a challenge, and this is really a challenge to me.”
The charity boxing night is being put on by GCGF Events and is also supporting Andy’s Man Club, a charity that aims to provide a space for men to talk about their mental health.
The charity is close to Xeorelle’s heart as she recently lost a friend to suicide.
Tickets for the event cost £15. For more information, visit GCGF Events on Facebook
She said: “I love watching professional boxing, it’s always intrigued me, but I think with the training being so hard it puts a lot of people off.
“I’m really determined to push through and perform on the night.”
You can support Xeorelle and donate to her worthwhile cause by clicking on this link
