The group of ladies said it is their “source of joy”
A group of Scouse nans have picked up an unusual hobby as they try to keep active and increase fitness levels. Friends Ann Hives and Vera Bradley are residents at Wavertree’s Oak Springs Care Home.
Here, the two have been trying out a new boxing programme, with the pensioners saying it is “more than just a fitness class – it’s a community builder, a confidence booster, and a source of joy.”
Ann, the grandmum-of-one, had never tried the sport until now and said she has very much enjoyed getting involved. The 85-year-old, who grew up on Scotland Road, told the ECHO: “Boxing has given me back a sense of control over my body, I want to keep going and try and get back to being able to do things I used to be able to do – it pushes me to go further each session.
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“I’ve always enjoyed sports, especially swimming, but I’d never even considered taking up boxing until these classes started. It’s so fun and is something I look forward to each time, we all have such a laugh doing it.”
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Ann previously worked as a swim teacher and a lifeguard at Westminster Road Baths. However, after a stroke, she was left paralysed on her left side. Now, she can move her left leg independently thanks to the bi-weekly classes she takes with friend Vera Bradley, a 94-year-old from West Derby.
The nan-of-20, who grew up in Norris Green, echoed a similar sentiment of appreciation. She added: “I always loved netball and tennis in school, and I love to stay active now. We’ve all learned so much with our boxing classes and it’s helped me to build strength and become more confident in my own ability.”
The two are taught by Peter Dogun and Carl Atkinson, co-owners of Inspire Fitness Northwest. Through their boxing classes at the home, they hope to build back the residents’ confidence while keeping them active. Peter’s connection to Oak Springs runs deep as his sister once worked as an activities coordinator at the home. She was the one who first suggested bringing the duo’s energy and expertise to the residents.
Peter said: “Seeing the residents’ confidence grow, their laughter, their determination – it’s what keeps us coming back. We’re not just teaching them how to box; we’re helping them reclaim a part of themselves. We haven’t looked back since, it’s been a journey filled with laughter, challenges, and incredible progress. The atmosphere is always lively, the residents egg each other on, and there’s this wonderful ‘can-do’ attitude that fills the room.”
Padwork, a training method where participants punch pads held by trainers, has become the residents’ favourite activity. Carl added: “We start with seated exercises to warm everyone up, the residents love counting down the exercise time. Then comes the fun part – putting on the boxing gloves and getting into padwork. It’s incredible how quickly they’ve taken to it.”
Another resident, Teresa Wenham, a nan-of-10, also gets involved. The 88-year-old, who grew up in Dingle, always enjoyed sports at school, especially tennis. Now, she loves to watch Liverpool Football Club play when she can. She said: “I like it when Carl and Peter come, they are very encouraging and I always have a lot of fun. It’s good also that I get to do it with my friends at the home. The classes have improved my strength, particularly in my arms.”
Carl’s love for boxing is lifelong. He has competed in amateur boxing shows before and has always been an active part of the local community. His passion for boxing, combined with Peter’s drive, led to the founding of Inspire Fitness Northwest during lockdown.
Carl said: “We wanted to improve the lives of people in Liverpool through physical activities and mindfulness. Our mission is to help as many people as we can. Our sessions are for everybody, but our work at Oak Springs Care Home holds a special place in our hearts.”
