A six-year-old boy from Bury St Edmunds has taken up boxing to help manage cystic fibrosis, a genetic condition that affects the lungs and digestive system. Doctors recommended that Jesse stay active to help clear mucus from his lungs, and boxing has become a key part of that effort.
Jesse was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis when he was just six weeks old. The condition can cause persistent coughing, breathing difficulties and frequent chest infections. According to his mother, Chloe, regular boxing training has significantly improved his breathing and overall health.
The family originally received a boxing bag from Great Ormond Street Hospital when Jesse was two years old. What started as a simple exercise tool eventually led him to join St Edmund Boxing Club after the family moved from Essex to Suffolk to enjoy cleaner countryside air.
Chloe said the gym environment quickly had a positive impact on her son. Training several times a week has become an important form of airway clearance therapy, helping him keep his lungs clear while also boosting his confidence and energy levels.
Jesse was also prescribed the medication Kaftrio in 2023, which helped improve his condition. However, his family believes that participating in sport has played a major role in maintaining his health.
Now preparing for his first ring walk in May, Jesse continues to impress coaches at the gym. His trainer, Chas Driscoll, said the youngster shows remarkable determination and continues to improve every week despite the challenges of his condition.
Keep it up champ! 👊