A YOUNG champion boxer who was born with a fight on his hands and is now giving teens a better life has been named Inverclyde's Young Citizen of the Year.

Greenock Telegraph:

Top sports star Rhys McCole from Greenock's east end is the only para-disabled competitor to compete in the mainstream and has several national titles under his belt.

He was diagnosed with heart conditions and has faced operations to save his life, as well as battling learning disabilities including autism.

In and out of the ring he has devoted his young life to calling out injustice and fighting for equality.

The 22-year-old, who has developed his own boxing programme, is called on by the police to offer support to troubled youngsters.

Now Rhys is in demand in local schools, delivering life lessons through boxing and giving youngsters a chance to shine.

His incredible achievements were recognised by the Gourock Rotary Club who rewarded him with the Dr Sadhu Gupta Young Citizen of the Year award.

Rhys, who lives in Strone Crescent, said: "My life would be very, very different right now if it wasn't for boxing. It gave me the confidence and the social skills I needed.

"When I started going to Greenock Boxing Club I didn't mix outside of school. I felt part of a team.

"It helped me get physically stronger, and it improved my asthma.

"Now I want to give something back. I want to work with any young person who can get something out of boxing. It is about including everyone."

Jack Robertson, 12, has joined Rhys's class at Notre Dame High School and says it has been life changing.

Jack said: "I have Asperger's and it has helped me so much coming to Rhys's class.

"Before I started I would never have been able to stand here and speak to anyone. I was so quiet. But that has all changed now, I have so much more confidence.

"I didn't really like school before but it is different now. "

Classmate Patrick Cannon, 12, added: "I was really shy and Rhys has given me so much confidence. It is not like any other class, he is so funny and you can have a laugh with Rhys."

Depute head Gerard Gordon hailed Rhys's wellbeing classes.

He said: "Rhys is a former pupil and we are so proud of all that he has achieved. We are delighted to have him here and his classes are making a huge difference.

"We offer the class to pupils who we feel would benefit."

Rhys was this year's winner of the Young Citizen of the Year in honour of retired IRH consultant Dr Sadhu Gupta.