Lucy Hobbs

My name is Lucy and I’m an avid writer and explorer living in Brighton. As a journalist and documentary filmmaker with an interest in local and international affairs, I wanted to create a platform to show my published works all in one place. As well as a freelance journalist, during my masters I became the co-founder and editor of a local 32 page Brighton magazine called Get To Know, with a recent issue focusing on the music at Brighton Fringe. I always have a project on the go and I'm an enthusiast for the English language. Most importantly, I like to talk to people and find out truths, so in all of my writing and videos expect my sources to be real and my intentions to be great.

Boxing night at Hitchin Town Hall a big success

Hitchin’s No Mercy Gym - which runs under Elite Fitness - brought together 20 talented boxers in a professional-sized ring in the hall. James Tirrell, a Saracens Academy coach who organised the event with his brother Graham, said: “We want to give people the opportunity to fight locally.” He explained the importance of discipline, saying: “You can’t get in here and start swinging punches. You’ve got to eat right, do the training and when you’re in the ring you have to respect your opponent and respect yourself.” James described the amount of preparation that goes in beforehand - with a doctor, ambulance and two paramedics, it’s clear Tirrell Promotions take pride and precautions in their shows. This includes the doctor checking each boxer’s health before and after their fight. He laughs: “Yeah they might have a bloody nose but they come away happy and healthy.” Mo Halloway, 27, from Luton, won the sixth fight after a close score of 28-27 against Liam Fitts. His advice for aspiring boxers is: “Take it easy, don’t rush yourself into it, and start training well. Keep yourself fit and your mindset must be in the right place.” As he unwraps his wrist tape, he adds: “If you have a strong heart and a strong mind, you’re good to go.” Harrison Hodgeson, 27, is a bricklayer from Letchworth who won the cruiserweight belt with impressive skill. He started boxing for charity in 2015 and finds it a great alternative to going to the pub with his friends each night. He said: “I’m quite a lively person; I’ve always got to be doing something, whether it’s boxing, weights or motocross, to fill the gap.” He explains that through time and experience, he has learnt to channel his ability to box in purely a professional way adding: “Setting yourself on the main purpose, the main goal, not letting anything stop you.” Tirrell Promotions hope to hold the next event in June and advise men and women who want to try boxing to visit No Mercy Gym for a try out, with a chance to compete in the next event.

Syrian Teenagers Aim for the Top Thanks to Brighton College Scholarship

Two Syrian refugees are the first to win scholarships to a top public school, Brighton College. Elias Badin, 19, and Sulaiman Wihba, 18, arrived in the UK a year ago with their families and are now studying A-Levels at the co-educational school on Eastern Road. Overwhelmed with the response to his arrival, Sulaiman said: “From the first moment I arrived everyone was nice, everyone was helpful.” He added: “I enjoy living by the sea. Back in Syria I lived in Damascus, it was in the middle, no sea, no rivers, nothing.” Moving to a culturally diverse city like Brighton has been the highlight of Sulaiman’s journey. Cambridge ambition The pair and their families were granted asylum in the UK for five years. Both boys hope to study medicine at Cambridge University and return to Syria as doctors. Sulaiman said: “I wish to obtain a double speciality and after I might go back to Syria if it is safe.” He added: “I don’t want to risk my life but I wish I could go.” It took two months to travel with their families from their homes in the suburbs of Syria’s capital Damascus. Dangerous journey They made the journey from Turkey to Greece on overcrowded boats, surrounded by vomiting and fainting passengers, fearful for their lives. Elias described the boat he took to Greece from Turkey. He said: “It was small, wooden, built for seven but there was 40.” Elias added: “It was the closest point to death.” Reflecting on his time in Brighton, Elias said: “The UK is amazing. It was as I expected. A good country with the nicest people.” Both boys feel Brighton College has provided them with the support they need. Welcoming city Their school houses have facilities such as a piano, table tennis and new computers to share with friends. Elias expressed the kindness of his schoolmates: “Everyone is so welcoming, so helpful.” He expanded: “Especially my house master. I cannot deny he is the best house master.” As the Calais jungle camp closes, approximately 1,200 Syrian children will be without a home. Many are not eligible to enter the UK without a family member already living here. Elias and Sulaiman describe their experience in the camp as harsh and both physically and mentally demanding. While discussing his time in Calais, Elias said: “I met people who had been in the camp for more than six months.” “They are the unluckiest people I have ever seen.”