Ring girl gets boxing in dad’s memory

Friday 24 September 2021

A local “adrenaline junkie” and ring girl will soon be stepping into the ring as a fighter for the first time to raise money for the Renal Clinic as thanks for the “incredible care” they gave her dad before he passed away.

Lucy Cooper (28), a Teaching Assistant at St. George’s Prep and previous 'ring girl', has been training with Transform Together Fitness ahead of their White Collar Boxing Event on 13 November 2021 at the Royal Jersey Showground.

The youngest of five girls, Lucy usually trains four or five times a week, doing weights and cardio at the gym. Previously, she also played netball once a week with the back to netball scheme at Les Ormes.

However, since losing her “wonderful dad” in June after what she described as “a very emotionally challenging few years”, Lucy sad she felt she had “lost her way a little” and “completely feel out of love with the gym”. 

“My dad and I were extremely close, and we spent every Saturday together, I can’t quite put into words how much I miss him,” she told Express. 

Pictured: “My dad and I were extremely close," Lucy said.

“I decided I needed to challenge myself both physically and mentally and give myself something positive to focus on. 

“My dad would always push me to be the best version of myself and support me in anything and everything I did, I keep that, and him, in mind every training session, even when I feel like puking. 

“He was my number one supporter and I know how proud he would be of me for getting in that ring in his honour.” 

Through her challenge, Lucy is hoping to raise £1,000 for the Renal Clinic at the hospital, who looked after her dad.

“Their care for dad over the years was just incredible and we can’t thank them enough,” she said.

As a former ring girl, Lucy is no stranger to the ring, but this will be her first fight ever - even though she has taken a few boxing classes over the years.

She confessed that the thought of getting in the ring without having a glass or two of prosecco, and no ring girl cards to hide behind, “slightly terrified her”.

Luckily, her family has been “nothing but supportive".

“I’m always up for anything and love a challenge!” Lucy said. “I’m also a huge adrenaline junkie so i don’t think anyone was surprised when I told them id signed up for the White Collar.”

While the training has been “intense”, Lucy says she has been “absolutely loving it”. 

“I feel very lucky to be training with such a great group of people, everyone is so friendly and encouraging,” she said.

Pictured: Lucy says the training has been "intense".

“The best part I would say is meeting a such a great bunch of new people and finding my love for the gym again. I must give a shout out to the coaches at Transform Together also as they go above and beyond, and the support and motivation definitely keeps me going! 

“There hasn’t been a worst part but I’d say you need to accept not having a life for a few months! I’m loving it but it’s full on and the training sessions are intense four, five times a week, however I guess you sort of know what’s expected of you when you sign up for a 14-week boxing camp!”

Having graduated with a Level 6 BA honours degree last year, for which she studied part time during six years, Lucy hopes to continue with her studies and complete her Post-Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) next year to fulfil her dream of becoming a Primary School Teacher. She is also hoping to keep boxing.

“I would like to [keep training] actually - not professionally, but I absolutely love the training and doing pad sessions, so I’d like to continue that after the fight camp.”

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