Juggling being a full-time mum as well as a professional athlete may sound like an impossible task for some, however Jade Taylor manages to excel at both.

Training in Thai Boxing from the age of eight, Jade saw huge success in the sport and even travelled to Thailand to represent Great Britain.

She received numerous championships wins before returning to the UK in 2015 and transitioning to boxing.

“When I came back, I started doing boxing and I became an amateur boxer. I struggled to find fights due to people pulling out, so I decided to turn professional and see what could happen.

“I’ve now had four professional fights and one that I’ve just had to pull out of due to a hand injury,” she says.

Training at Denton boxing club Phoenix Camp, Jade has shown immense dedication to reach her level in the sport despite an array of setbacks.

“I had a really hard year last year as I lost my mum and battling through that was really tough.

“I’ve got two children myself as well as three younger siblings, so I had to help my dad with everyone as well and it all became really tough,” Jade said.

Many parents often find it difficult to balance both family life and a hobby alongside, something which Jade has championed through.

“I had done sport all of my life so when I had my first child at 18 some people told me that I wasn’t going to be able to keep up the things I wanted to do.

“Yet I’m a full-time mum, I do professional boxing and I also work two jobs. I’ve proved everyone wrong and I’m showing my children that whatever they put their minds to, they can do,” she says.

In fact, having the distraction of her family helps Jade to take some time to switch off from her demanding sport. She says having the time to return home and switch into ‘mum mode’ helps to keep her busy and take her mind away from constant boxing.

But Jade’s schedule is far from simple, training multiple times a day with set days for strength and conditioning and running, she is always fine tuning her body and ensuring that she is in the best shape possible.

Jade says boxing has helped her massively during her life, with countless benefits both physically and mentally.

“Boxing is great for self-discipline, and I think having the knowledge to look after yourself if anything were to happen for both men and women is so important.

“It’s also brilliant in building confidence, especially in young people that grow up with a lack of self-esteem.

“There’s nothing better than being stress free and punching a bag,” she said.

During the festive period, Jade plans to continue her training regime to ensure she is ready to hit the ground running again in the new year.

The talented boxer hopes for a year filled with restriction-free training and is hoping to get some more professional fights to add to her boxing CV.

Do you know an inspirational sporting woman in Tameside or Glossop?

Women in Sport is a weekly column which shares the incredible stories of ladies involved in sport across the area. We are always on the lookout for fresh stories to tell. To nominate someone for the column or get involved yourself, please email Katie on katie.catherall@questmedianetwork.co.uk 

You can read last week's column here.

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