Schoolgirl Thai Boxer Welcomes Mornflake Boost to Bangkok Competition Ambitions

A talented young Thai boxer from Crewe has received a boost to her international ambitions after securing support from breakfast company Mornflake.

Holly-Mae Coghlan, 15, is fundraising to compete at a major contest in Bangkok, Thailand this summer and was delighted to receive a donation from the Crewe business to help her on her way.

The WBC Muay Thai World Festival will see fighters from across the globe compete in the sport’s spiritual home and Holly-Mae will be flying the flag for women, still under-represented in the field.

The youngster, who attends Sir Thomas More Catholic High School in Crewe, is hard in training at UMA Thaiboxing Gym in the Victoria Centre.

Mum Jemma said: “Holly-Mae has grown up with three brothers who’ve all done different sports including Thai boxing and used to watch them train. They lost interest but she was bitten by the bug and started winning competitions while in primary school. We’re really proud of her and want to say a big ‘thank you’ to Mornflake. It means a lot to get the support from a local company here in Crewe.”

Holly-Mae was just seven when she won  two world titles in Italy.

Also known as Thai boxing, the 2000 year-old combat sport uses standing strikes of the fists, elbows and knees – so not for the faint-hearted!

Hot on the heels of success at the Welsh Championships in November, Holly-Mae went on to be selected for WBC Team England just after her birthday in January and is looking forward to Bangkok in June.

“Competing in Thailand is a dream for anyone who trains in Muay Thai. Travel is expensive though so I’m really thankful to Mornflake for the donation towards my costs,” said Holly-Mae, who also coaches juniors at the gym and plays football with Crewe FC U16’s girls.

The support reflects Mornflake’s long-standing commitment to supporting the local community and encouraging young people to pursue their sporting ambitions.

Managing director James Lea said: “Supporting young talent from our hometown is important to us. Holly-Mae’s dedication from a very young age, and her commitment to training and coaching, is inspiring. We’re delighted to help her take this exciting step in her sporting journey.”

The breakfast company, famed for its Mighty Oats, has backed many inspirational Cheshire athletes over the years.

Nantwich wheelchair racer Andy Small, Holmes Chapel Olympic rower Emily Ford and Nantwich ‘Mr Universe’ bodybuilding champion Tim Rosiek were among those to be ‘Powered by Mighty Oats’.

As a major employer of more than 350 in Crewe, the business actively supports health and well-being in the community, including organisations that encourage healthy lifestyles and combat isolation.

Its tasty porridge, muesli and granola products are enjoyed in 60 different countries including China, Malaysia and the Caribbean. All proudly made in Crewe.