Greatness Goes Beyond Winning

A story that had me in tears - what can I say about the film documentary of Lancaster hero and inspiration Shay Walsh.

Humbling and beautiful in the passion, pride, strength and courage that lies within this man and the people who so understandably follow him. In a time when greed; ego and status still overrides the majority it is heart warming to witness someone truly shining their light in a way that fosters only good things.

There are titles to be had and successes to fight for in this life, but Shay Walsh in my opinion has by far out stripped any belt he could have won.

His prize is in the love and loyalty that he so richly deserves and the legacy he is creating by building a community and passing on his knowledge to so many others.

I first met Shay a couple of years ago at the gym’s open day. If I recall correctly, it had been scheduled for the previous day but the British weather had decided otherwise. However that wasn’t going to stop Shay and the others who had put so much effort into into the event. A quick reshuffle and as a result, a day of community spirit in the sunshine.

I mention this because life, like the weather can never be predicted. You can put in all the hours, days, weeks, years of training to be the very best you can, but you may never be certain of the outcome. I had not realised until I watched the film, quite how shattering a moment that illegal kick to the jaw was for Shay.

Not just Shay either.

His brother who had sacrificed so much of his time and life to train Shay to that standard. His family who supported him through it all. For every hour spent in the gym, there are hours lost to family ties and friendship. Reaching for the top takes commitment, courage, determination and sacrifice on many levels.

To have that all taken away in one callously calculated moment must have been a blow of unimaginable pain, far outreaching the physical.

Many would have given up, become bitter and resentful. But Shay Walsh is not one of the many. He is few and far between.

The film highlighted with a simple sincerity, the raw honest guts of the man, to take that blow with humility and courage and begin again. And I repeat what I said before. It would not have been just Shay who suffered from that blow, and as a result had to reframe and rebuild. His wife and brother and those around him were all part of the story which is what makes it all the more special.

I have a personal saying, “Take the pain with grace, and a smile on your face.”

Shay Walsh is a man who certainly knows how to do that and sets an example that is to be applauded. Thank you Shay for your heartwarming story of courage, personal sacrifice and above all for being such an inspirational gentleman.

If you live in or around Lancaster and you want to be inspired to take up a new sport or for your kids and you haven’t looked him up, then do so. Lancaster is lucky to have him!!!

By Dawn Bramwell

Thank you to Dawn Bramwell for sharing such kind words and thoughtful reflections on her experience after watching “A Journey To Greatness: The Untold Story of Shay Walsh.”

If you, or someone you know, have been thinking about trying something new, now is the perfect time. Our 6-Week Introduction to MMA programme kicks off next week, running every Tuesday from 7:45–9:00 pm. There are just 3 days to go, and we still have a few spaces left - don’t miss your chance!

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P.S. If this story has inspired you, please share it with someone in your life who embodies humility, courage, or strength - they might just love it too.