A devoted mother from Coventry is channelling her incredible 7.5 stone weight loss transformation into a powerful fundraising mission for the charities that have been a lifeline for her young son.
From Carer to Champion: A Mother's Transformation
Ciara Murphy, a 38-year-old parent-carer, shed an impressive 7.5 stone in just one year. Her fitness journey began out of necessity, to make the demanding 24-hour care for her five-year-old son, Cillian, easier to manage. It was during this journey that she discovered a passion she never knew she had: boxing.
For Ciara, boxing is far more than just a sport or a workout. "Boxing has really become a therapy for me," she explained. "I think it’s very therapeutic. It brings a different level of enjoyment in terms of physical activity. I can’t run at all, but I can hit a boxing bag for hours." She also praised the supportive boxing community, which helped equip her for her challenge.
The Inspirational Little Boy Behind the Fight
The driving force behind Ciara's incredible effort is her son, Cillian, whom she describes as "the most delightful little boy you will ever meet on the whole planet." Despite his joyous spirit, Cillian faces immense health challenges.
He is one of only 350,000 children worldwide with Hyperinsulinism, a rare condition causing severe and recurring low blood sugar. Cillian also lives with a brain injury, autism, and ADHD, and has undergone more medical procedures than all of Ciara's other family members combined.
His complex needs require constant vigilance. Every four hours, day and night, Ciara must tube feed him, administer medication, and check his blood sugar levels.
Stepping into the Ring to Give Back
On November 22, Ciara will step into the boxing ring at The New Bingley Hall to raise money for two vital charities. Her goal is to reach £3,500.
The first charity is the Children’s Hyperinsulinism Charity, for which Ciara serves as a voluntary trustee. This organisation has provided her with essential guidance and a connection to other families walking a similar path.
The second is Zoe’s Place Baby Hospice in Coventry, which offers Ciara crucial respite care. "They’re just amazing," Ciara said. "He’s 2-1 when he’s out there, and they provide 1-1 nursing support for all his needs, so my mind can rest 100%. Without those little breaks and respite that they provide to us I wouldn’t be able to go on."
Ciara's motivation is clear: "I just want to give back. The kids that attend these charities are so brave, and they fight for their lives every day. If I can just replicate and bring a tiny bit of that into the ring with me, I’ll be so happy."
