A boxing coach who helped turn around the lives of countless city children celebrated reaching a milestone in his career.
Jimmy West, 93, began boxing while serving in the army and navy during his youth. After returning to his Liverpool home in the 1970s, he began teaching the sport to children in a community centre in Huyton.
He used the skills from his career to make a difference in the community, teaching children and young adults the meaning of respect and control when crime appeared to be their only option.
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One of his former trainees, Terry Lesley, from Huyton, spoke of how in a community torn apart by crime and antisocial behaviour in the 70s, Mr West’s boxing brought families back together. He said: “He kept a lot of people off the streets. It’s because boxing itself gives you discipline and with Mr West’s army and navy background, he taught kids the meaning of respect.”
Terry was just one of Mr West's former fighters who joined him to celebrate 50 years of coaching at a special event at The Deysbrook in West Derby. Terry continued: “He made me a better person. He brought me away from crime because from my area nine in ten times you’d be in jail.”
Under Mr West’s influence, Terry said his grades in school began to improve, he was no longer involved in antisocial behaviour, and went on to become a boxing coach himself through the lessons he was taught.
Terry spoke of how without a doubt, his life would not be the same without Mr West, and many others would say the same. He said: “His influence helped a lot of people.”
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