A FORMER boxing champion is offering victims of bullying free classes in the ring.

Widnes dad Tom Cavanagh who was taunted himself at school wants to help give children confidence.

The 26-year-old is also willing to waive fees to for any youngsters who can’t afford coaching.

Personal trainer and boxing coach Tom, from Ditton, said: “I grew up in foster care and struggled with bullying myself so I know what it’s like for these kids.

“I had a speech impediment when I was younger and curly hair so I was a target.”

Tom joined a boxing club at the former Boys Club on Boston Avenue in Runcorn.

“I ended up winning a national title, the Golden Boy when I was 14,” he said.

“Boxing changed my life. It made a massive difference. I started getting a lot of respect.

“I focussed all my energy and time on training. It was a huge benefit to me.

“Boxing is perceived to be a brutal sport but this could not be further from the truth.

“Everyone who walks through the door is taught the important values of life – responsibility, respect, discipline, resilience and determination.”

After success on a TV game show with Noel Edmonds, Tom has now vowed to help change the lives of young people.

“I was lucky enough to win some money on Deal or No Deal last year and made it my goal to open a boxing club to help kids who are having a tough time.”

Tom is married to Cherie, 28, and has an 11-month-old daughter Eva Rose and another baby on the way.

“I live and breathe boxing,” added Tom, who runs classes for children and adults.

“Whatever you do you’ve got to love it.

“I want to encourage kids to be themselves, to be confident when people doubt them, to be their own super hero and not afraid to step up to a challenge.”

He is holding an open day at his community boxing gym, Halton Riverside Boxing, above Muscle and Figure on Croft Street, from 4pm on Wednesday, December 7.

It recently became affiliated to the Amateur Boxing Association.