Diabetes should not hold children back - boxer

Muhammad Ali visited Jersey to speak to young children and their parents

Britain's first professional boxer with type 1 diabetes has told young families in Jersey not to let the condition hold them back from following their dreams.

Muhammad Ali Zahid, from Rochdale, visited the island as part of his work with the charity Diabetes Jersey.

The welterweight had his boxing licence revoked before successfully campaigning to prove it was safe for him to compete despite his diabetes.

The 31-year-old said he wanted to show children how to overcome hurdles and "show them their diabetes doesn't have to hold the bag".

Mr Ali is 12-0-0 in his professional boxing career and hopes to fight for a regional or international title next year

Mr Ali visits the island on trips organised by Diabetes Jersey and this was the first time his trip focused on working with young families with a family event at Jump Jersey earlier this month.

He said children "shouldn’t give up on achieving their dreams" and "if they seek the right help from the right people, then anything in life is achievable".

Mr Ali added: "If I can inspire one child to go on to achieve his or her dreams then I’ve made a difference because type 1 diabetes doesn't stop you from doing anything in life."

He hopes to fight for a regional or international title next year and if he wins, Mr Ali has promised to bring the belt back to Jersey to inspire more children on his next visit.