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Boxer's viral TikTok gets hundreds of SEND children in the gym

Katie ThompsonSenior producer, in Rugby
BBC Shay and Bobby are both wearing black T-shirts and caps facing backwards. They are standing in front of a black and orange Fitness By Bobby logo.BBC
Shay (left) and Bobby run the gym together

A builder-come-boxer whose video of him training his autistic brother went viral has gone on to open a gym dedicated to helping people with disabilities.

Bobby Brannen downed tools on the building site and turned his attention to disability-focused personal training after the outpouring of affection his online post attracted.

The 21-year-old started doing sessions in his parents' garage for children with disabilities two years ago, but the demand was so huge he was able to open Fitness By Bobby.

With younger brother Shay, 16, by his side, the duo are welcoming more than 100 children and young adults a week from across the country to their gym in Rugby, Warwickshire.

Bobby's latest TikTok, which tells the story of how his vision evolved, has amassed nearly 7m views, and followers including Jessie Nelson, Ellie Goulding and Sharon Osborne.

A group of children with Bobby and Shay looking at a multicoloured wheel. They are in the gym with punchbags in the background and apparatus. There is a woman wearing a white t-shit which is Bobby's nan.
The children said they love a spin the wheel game where they have to perform the action the spinner lands on

Talking about his brother being his inspiration, Bobby said: "I believed in there being a place for everyone to belong.

"His [Shay's] past life experiences with disabilities and even my past experiences growing up with anxiety, is why I started this business."

He explained how growing up, Shay was not always allowed into clubs or groups because of his disabilities.

"I don't think that is fair on anyone," Bobby said. "Which is why I'm trying to create a place like this, where children like Shay or anyone with a disability, low confidence, anxiety, whatever it might be, can feel comfortable coming to a club."

It's not just about the physical benefits either.

The children were also socialising, making friends and having a good time, he added.

Shay added: "I've got my mates, I do boxing. There should be more clubs like this."

One of his clients travels from as far afield as Liverpool to attend classes. Bobby credited his real life experiences, growing up with a brother with learning difficulties, as to why people were coming to his gym.

He said working on the building site "wasn't for me" so he started doing one-to-ones in his garage with children with both physical and learning disabilities.

Soon after, he had 100 people on a waiting list so decided to make it his full-time job.

"I knew I had to put everything into helping people and it worked out great," he said.

"There should be more places nationwide, allowing people with disabilities into a place to feel welcome. That is lacking.

"I'm trying my hardest to make a place where children feel comfortable, confident and like they can be themselves here."

Bobby has also been nominated for a Make a Difference award with BBC CWR, for his efforts.

Supplied A holiday photo of Bobby and Shay when they were younger. They are wearing dark shorts and white t-shirts and sliders, and both smiling at the camera.Supplied
The brothers have a strong bond and said they hoped they were having a positive impact on those they met
Lisa has long dark hair and is standing in the gym. A black wall behind has white writing which read 'beating odds"
Lisa's son Enzo joined the gym a few months ago and she said he had become stronger from it

Lisa 37, brings her five-year-old son to Fitness By Bobby.

Enzo has spina bifida and needs a walker and wheelchair, but that does not stop him packing a punch in the boxing class.

"It's fun," Enzo said. "I love punching."

Lisa added: "He absolutely loves it. Being physically disabled, there isn't much around..he loves being part of something.

"You can see the improvement in his strength.. he has weakness in his legs, you can see the improvement in his strength all over."

Enzo is holding a walker to support himself and his in between two punchbags ib the gym
Enzo's physiotherapist said he had become stronger since going to the boxing classes

Hayley, 43, brings her son Rex to boxing, dancing and play classes. Sometimes in the school holidays, it is the only time they leave the house.

Rex, 11, has autism, ADHD and a genetic condition. He also has learning disabilities.

"Being somewhere like this, people get him. [Bobby and Shay] get it...if he's a bit pushy or shoving nobody bats an eyelid," she said. "You're not judged."

"Rex can come and be him and I can sit down. We join in or we don't have to. We get out the house and can be somewhere and are not being stared at."

The visits also give Hayley "a bit of freedom", which she said was a lifeline in the summer holidays for SEND (special educational needs and disabilities) parents.

Mum Hayley is wearing a white short and demin shorts and is with her son Rex who is wearing a grey t-shirt. He has glasses and is holding a microphone.
Rex enjoyed having the BBC in to visit the gym and interview his mum

Dad Manoj, 52, signed son Arav, 13, and 10-year-old daughter Isla said it had had a great impact on their lives.

Arav has a learning delay and goes to specialist school in Leamington Spa.

"The connection Bobby and Shay have together, the bond they have and way they show that bond, is just amazing," Manoj said.

"They aspire to be like Bobby and Shay. They have a great impact on their lives."

Arav added: "I'm really glad I have Bobby as my boxing coach."

Isla is wearing a black Nike sports vest and is next to her borther Ariv who is wearing a white t-shirt and black cap. They are behind an orange and black Fitness by Bobby logo.
Isla and brother Arav look up to Bobby and Shay, their dad said

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