A MEDAL-winning powerlifter and single mother of two from Redditch has been called up to compete for England at the Commonwealth Powerlifting Championships.

Kelly Phasey from Kelly Phasey Fitness, in Windsor Road, will take part in the championships in Canada this September.

She is no stranger to top-end competitions having been a member of the GB Powerlifting team since 2014.

She has already won the European Silver Medal in 2018, Bronze Medal in the European Equipped Bench 2018, Bronze Medal in the Bench at the IPF World Classic Championships 2017, and prior to that was part of the RFU Premiership League Champions team in 2012/2013 with Worcester Ladies.

She said: "I am absolutely delighted to be representing England in Canada, although as the travel costs to Canada are not covered I am offering to promote local companies both within my gym and on the trip in return for sponsorship opportunities."

The announcement also coincides with the expansion of her gym with the appointment of new a personal trainer Steve Moses and completing a working partnership with Redditch Selfdefence, run by Pete Martin, which has moved into her gym.

Kelly’s move into fitness came in a dramatic career switch just six years ago, from retail and office work to studying for a degree in Sports Science and most recently a Masters in strength and conditioning.