“As a parent of a severely autistic child, it’s hard to put into words what it means to find somewhere that doesn’t just accept your child but really understands them.”
Proud dad James Gillingham wrote this letter to Torfaen Warriors Boxing Club to sum up the incredible changes he’s seen in his son since he first walked through the club’s door eight months ago.
It’s a special read. Thanks to James, Edward, and the club for permission to share it here.
“When my son Edward first started trying different sports, I honestly didn’t think we’d ever find somewhere he truly fit in. He’s twelve, severely autistic, and goes to a specialist unit in Penarth because the schools in our county can’t meet his needs.
“Because of that, he’s always found it hard to make friends or feel part of a local group. We tried football and rugby, and it didn’t work out. The coaching was too slow and unable to cope with someone of his needs, requiring lots of individual support, and nothing was really adapted for him.
“He’d end up overwhelmed and shutting down and refusing to go back.
‘Try boxing’
“In April 2025, I recommended to him he try boxing. I didn’t have the first clue about boxing and found Torfaen Warriors on Facebook. I just wanted him to give it a go and hoped he could at least get through one session. Right from day one, something about boxing just clicked with him, and his enthusiasm hasn’t waned since. The structure, the routine, the way the sessions run – it all seemed to make sense to him in a way other sport did. The coaches there – Simon Weaver and Andrew Bowen were incredible from the start.
“They were patient, calm, understanding, and didn’t make him feel ‘different’. They recognised what he needed and just quietly adapted things, so he felt comfortable and confident. Week by week, I started seeing his attitude change. His confidence shot up. He walks into that gym with his head high now.
“He’s passionate and excited in a way I’ve never really seen from him before. He absolutely loves it and trains hard every single session. He’s even started talking about wanting to be club captain one day and maybe even a professional boxer. Seeing this transformation has been incredible.
“Hearing him say things like that genuinely means the world. And the best part is the community he’s found there. Because he doesn’t go to school locally, friendships have always been tough for him to maintain. But at Torfaen Warriors, he’s actually making friends amongst his peers.
“People talk to him, include him, look out for him and support him. It’s the first time he’s really had that feeling of belonging. Andrew now does one-to-one sessions with him every Saturday morning too, and he is thriving with that extra support. Their patience and understanding has made a massive difference.
‘Edward’s Passion’
“Edward’s passion rubbed off on me as well. Nine weeks ago, I joined the men’s Sunday session. Before that, I wasn’t active at all. I was nervous walking in on my first day but I didn’t need to be. Everyone there was welcoming straight away. Nobody cares what level you’re at or how fit you are. The coaching is always at your own pace, and the atmosphere is honestly one of the most encouraging I’ve ever been part of. I’ve already started building friendships there, which I didn’t expect at all, and my fitness has improved massively. I’m now just as committed to it as Edward is.
“The club also really cares about mental health, especially for men and its members. When one of their former coaches, Kris, passed away, it hit everyone hard. The club arranged for a pastor to come and talk to the kids to help them cope, and they’ve now set up a monthly men’s mental health session called ‘Kris’s Club’ in his memory. It shows how much they care about the people who go there – not just the boxing side of things. Simon even told the children there that if they are struggling with any aspect of life, and don’t feel comfortable talking with a parent or teacher, then he is always available for them.
‘Not just a boxing club’
“They created an environment where everyone – kids, adults, people with disabilities, total beginners, Girls and boys, women and men feel like they matter. It’s not just a boxing club. It’s a place where people grow and support each other. As a parent of a severely autistic child, it’s hard to put into words what it means to find somewhere that doesn’t just accept your child but really understands them.
“Torfaen Warriors has given Edward confidence, routine, ambition, and real friendships. It’s given me motivation, better health, and a supportive community I didn’t even know I needed. I’m genuinely grateful for everything the club has done for us. They’ve changed Edward’s life for the better, and in turn, they’ve changed mine too. I honestly can’t recommend them enough.”