'Life-changing' training for boy with cerebral palsy

The mum of a "boxing mad" boy with cerebral palsy has said the support of a martial arts coach has been "life-changing" for her son.

Oliver, 11, was diagnosed with the condition, which affects all of his limbs, when he was six months old.

His mum, Cheryl, told the BBC he had excelled since he started training with Neil Huntley, who teaches Oliver how to box, as well as helping him with strength and conditioning training and walking exercises, in 2019.

She said: "Oliver really trusts him, and Neil really believes in him, and it is the highlight of his week. He loves going, he loves spending time with Neil, they have a good laugh."

Cheryl saw a post on social media promoting the gym Neil runs in Sutton-in-Ashfield and decided to get in touch to see if he could help Oliver.

Oliver, from Rotherham, now trains with Neil every Saturday - something Cheryl said was the "best part of the week".

She added: "It is nice to feel it is nothing 'special' - nothing is adapted, it's nothing that someone is making you do.

"It is something you genuinely love doing with someone you love, who really believes in you."

Oliver added: "It makes a difference because where I live there are not many inclusive sports, so it really makes a difference, knowing I can be active."

Neil, who won a BBC Make a Difference Award in 2025 for the work he does with Oliver, said: "To watch him every week putting 100% in, to see what he can get through with the struggles he has got, it is just amazing.

"The energy that he has got boosts me every week and I've literally got a smile on my face for 60 minutes. My cheeks are hurting."

Neil, 47, said he had always had a passion for martial arts and had been involved in it since he was 15.

He started with karate before eventually moving into mixed martial arts.

However, he said his career as a fighter ended after he was stabbed on a night out in Nottingham, which left him with multiple serious injuries including a punctured lung.

After a few years out of the sport, Neil had the opportunity to start coaching and he now runs Revolution Gym.

He said: "I just knew that was my purpose and I just followed it. I kept with it, I've been consistent with it, and it's paid off.

"I have like-minded people around me now. It's amazing.

"I have been in some bad situations and I want to get as many people out of those situations as I can."

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