Felling boxer has become a European Champion after claiming gold in Turkey

A young Gateshead boxer fought off illness to secure gold for England at the U15 European Championships. Brogan Darrie was selected to for the championships in Trabzon, Turkey, and was the only North East boxer selected in her age group.

The England team won nine medals in the competition last month – five gold, one silver and three bronze – to finish third in the overall standings. Brogan, 13, who boxes for Felling ABC, won gold in the U40kg category after beating Russia in the final.

A statement from Felling ABC said: " Brogan Darrie is one of our very own homegrown talents here at Felling ABC, and we honestly couldn't be prouder of what she has achieved. What makes Brogan’s European gold medal even more remarkable is what she had to overcome just to get there.

"Only six weeks before she was due to fly out to Turkey, Brogan was so ill that we genuinely didn’t know whether she would even make it there, never mind compete at the highest level. But through sheer determination and resilience, Brogan battled her way back.

"To then travel to Turkey, compete a year ahead of her age group, face older opponents and come home as European Champion is nothing short of unbelievable."

The club added: "From being so ill she could hardly do 30 seconds of training to standing on top of the podium with a European gold medal around her neck just weeks later – it’s an incredible achievement and one that makes us even prouder of her. Her performances throughout the tournament were outstanding. In the quarter-finals, she beat Turkey with a convincing 5-0 unanimous decision. In the semi-finals, she faced Ireland and produced another brilliant performance, winning by RSC (referee stopped contest).

"For us, Brogan's success means absolutely everything. She's a homegrown Felling girl who has shown what can be achieved through hard work, determination and the right support. We see first-hand the hours of training, sacrifices and commitment that go into reaching this level. To see one of our own representing her country and bringing a European gold medal back to Felling is unbelievable.

"Her achievements have already inspired so many of our younger boxers, particularly the young girls coming through the club. She's living proof that it's not where you come from, it's where you're going."