Boxing for fitness in Exeter church brings hope to people ‘on the ropes’

A church in Exeter is combining boxing gloves with the Gospel in a bid to support people facing addiction, homelessness, and other life challenges.

Fitter for Faith, based at St David’s Church, has officially launched as a weekly community outreach programme, offering a 90-minute boxing and fitness class every Wednesday, followed by a shared lunch, a wellbeing check-in, and prayer.

The group is the creation of Ben Cookson, a qualified boxing-for-fitness coach and former drug addict, who became a Christian after attending an Alpha course.

Ben said:

“If I was to say to someone would you like to come to church and talk about your childhood trauma, they would say ‘no thanks’, but generally when I say to people would you like to come and learn some boxing skills, they say ‘yeah I’ve always wanted to do that.

“It’s an opportunity to do something for street drinkers or people who are homeless or struggling in life. It’s a way to connect and for me to carry a message of God’s goodness and to freely give what was freely given to me. We’ve got 74-year-olds, we’ve had 18-year-olds, people with disabilities – it’s open to everyone.”

Ben, who begins training as a Church Army Evangelist in the autumn, is supported by members of St David’s, including interim minister Rev’d Mike Clark, who leads the weekly prayer sessions.

Mike said:

“I’ve been inspired and challenged by the way Ben shares his faith so openly and easily, and the way that could have such a transformative effect on people’s lives – just that simple Gospel message that you are loved and worth something.

“The idea of a boxing group in a church has surprised me, but the more I see – it doesn’t surprise me, because I see how people are drawn into that love and sense of community.”

One participant, Jake, described the impact the sessions have had on him:

“Since starting with Fitter for Faith, my life has improved drastically.

“I have new skills, meeting new people and improving my relationship with God. Fitter for Faith has helped me get out of my comfort zone, be more compassionate to others and also helped me stay clean from alcohol and drugs.

“Ben is teaching me how to coach some boxing skills on a Wednesday, and I hope to continue this in the future. I also must give thanks to Ben because he saw something in me that nobody else did. He has taken a lot of time out of his life to help me deal with personal issues. I am truly grateful.”

At the launch event, The Bishop of Exeter, the Rt. Rev’d Dr Mike Harrison, stepped into the ring to receive some boxing tips from Ben, saying:

“[This initiative is] a beacon of hope for the city of Exeter.

“It is a great example of a Christian outreach project, providing healing, growth, belonging and community, as well as offering people an opportunity to experience the God who loves them and meets them where they are.”

Fitter for Faith is now raising funds to expand its work, which already includes a weekly hot dog and Bible study night. Ben hopes to develop a network of trained volunteer mentors to walk alongside those in need and connect them with further support.

More information about the project can be found at: https://exeter.anglican.org/ministry/fitter-for-faith/