Kerryn, 25, West London

Why did you want to take part in Fight School?

I wanted a new challenge. I left home at 16 and moved into a hostel. I was very headstrong and I was on a quest to move out, it felt the right thing to do. I was determined to do it and I wanted to make it as well as survive on my own.

How did you find learning to box?

I was very apprehensive beforehand because it is that fear of your own capabilities. I wasn’t sure what was going to happen or what I could bring to the table. I felt like a fish out of water, completely out of my comfort zone. It made me feel scared and I had a lot of self-doubt. I can remember the feeling of walking out and knowing it was something I wanted to do. Halfway through my round, I was sold on boxing - it was hard learning, but I loved boxing. It was my favourite part of the whole process.

Was Idris a good mentor?

Yes he was very reassuring and a great motivator. We come from similar upbringings and to have someone you can relate to and who has your best intentions was great. Idris was very big on letting me know this process was more than just getting into the ring. He shared things he saw in me that I couldn’t see in myself, which was a blessing.

What did you learn about yourself in this process?

I learnt how resilient I am, which was a really nice thing to realise. It made me look back on my own life, moving out as young as I did - I was coasting through life, I missed out on the things most teens do and I hadn’t fully understood until I started this process of learning to box just how many things I had sacrificed when I was younger. Fight School has given me the tools to change my life.