Most of us reach stages in life where we feel like trying something new, exploring a different avenue in the search of better health, physical and mental.

For Katie Jacob-Bourn from Watchet in Somerset, her sporting solace was found in the boxing ring and this weekend will bring her debut bout in front of a crowd.

This is Katie’s inspiring story.

She said: “I’m a middle-aged, peri-menopausal and fairly dull woman, the very last person I would call a boxer.

“So, when I began boxing, I had no idea it would lead to a proper bout, in front of an audience, in an actual ring. I had very little knowledge at all, yet here I stand, preparing to walk out, to a room full of people cheering and jeering, to meet my opponent. It’s electrifying, awesome and surreal.

“At my children’s martial arts lessons, I met fellow local mum Lucy Payne. Having made friends, I watched with admiration as she learned the ropes, taking up a boxing career which has now seen her progress through six undefeated fights to Southern Area Champion, English Champion and hopefully, soon, the British Women’s Boxing Champion.

“I couldn’t be prouder, or more intrigued. Banned in most nations, including the UK, for most of the 20th century, women’s boxing has been such a taboo concept. Lucy’s had lots of derogatory or plain rude comments about her involvement in it.

“What people don’t realise is what a psychological challenge it is, or how it can positively impact so much of a person’s life. I know I didn’t. ‘You just hit people’, it sounds simple until someone starts hitting you back, and then numerous skills come into play; where your feet are placed, how well you’re balanced, which way you’re looking, are you keeping your defences up? Are you fit enough? Hydrated enough? Calm enough? Ready?

“I’ve lived a sheltered life. My partner grew up in an environment where fighting was common and I genuinely wanted to know what that felt like. I was also curious to explore those secret parts of me that get angry, vengeful, a little hysterical. Could they be honed into something useful, healthy, consensual? What can I learn about my self and my relationships by putting myself through this discipline? A huge amount, it turns out.

“Besides aiding me to live a healthier lifestyle, I’m delighted to be proving something to my aged father, whose approval I’ve sought all my life. It’s a controversial thing to approve of, yet I hope I am also inspiring my children to have a go at challenging themselves and the outdated boundaries that have kept our society stuck.

“The training process has been full of physical and emotional achievements. When I’ve felt like giving up, I’ve kept going. It’s liberating. When I’m old and grey, will I look back with gladness that I overcame these challenges? I believe I’ll be mentally fitter because of it. I’m delighted to be training alongside local legend James Dix, who is fighting for autism awareness.

“After hours of intense preparation, we’ll both be on the fight card at the Gman Promotion’s Rise of the Kings event at Bridgwater’s Blake Hall on Saturday, June 15.

“If you’re interested in trying your hand (and enjoying some stress relief!), I urge you to have a go. Who knows, I might face you in the ring this autumn.”

Lucy Payne of First Jab Boxing provides one-to-one coaching and group fitness sessions at the Tavern Fight Academy in Watchet. She currently seeks business sponsorship for her forthcoming British title fight. She can be reached by sending a direct message through Facebook to Lucy Payne or via tavernfitness.co.uk.