A TEENAGER from Poole who has a mild form of cerebral palsy has seen her confidence blossom inside a boxing ring – and one day she is hoping to take her talents all the way to the Olympic Games.

Gabrielle Reid, 15, who has right hemiplegia, which affects her muscle control and movement, initially started out in kickboxing and saw her condition improve massively.

However, when she wanted to start competing she switched to boxing and picked up a victory in her first boxing bout last August.

Her second contest was due to take place at the Carrington Hotel on Saturday night.

Boxing has had a positive impact for Gabrielle, both physically and mentally.

"It has made a big difference for my confidence and how I feel in myself,"she said.

"Boxing has also encouraged me to talk to people and I want to help others.

"It has given me the opportunity to meet new people and allowed me to focus on certain aims.

"My advice to others would be stay committed, believe in yourself and do not give up on it.

"I know it will take a lot of work, but my dream is to compete at the Olympics."

Gabrielle trains several days a week at Primitive Gym in Ashley Road, Poole, under the watchful eye of trainer Mo Kargbo.

The St Aldhelm's Academy pupil was named Young Achiever of the Year at Borough of Poole's final sports awards last month.

Alongside her commitment in the ring, Gabrielle has raised money for the Cerebral Palsy Sport charity and visited a school where she led an assembly to inspire other children to follow their dreams.

Her proud mother Lisa said it was important to raise awareness about cerebral palsy and show that it does not prevent people from succeeding in what they want to achieve.

"A lot of people see cerebral palsy as being in a wheelchair and not being able to do much for yourself but there are different levels," said Lisa.

"Since she got in her sport, it has transformed her life.

"We could see how much it was helping her physically and also with her confidence.

"She wanted to start competing and we decided to go down the boxing route. We are so proud of her."