Caerphilly teen kickboxer to defend world crown, by Caio Iwan in South Wales Argus online, Wednesday 5 August 2015

A TEENAGE kickboxer from Pontllanfraith is set to travel to Germany to defend her world crown – despite nearly having her legs amputated as a child.

At the age of three, Amber Murphy contracted meningococcal septicaemia and was on life support for three days.

Doctors warned they might have had to amputate both her legs, but little Amber fought back and made a full recovery.

“Since that day she has lived every day to the full, she wants to do everything, go everywhere and do well in all she does,” her mother Suzanne Roberts said.

Now aged 16, Amber is the kickboxing world champion in the 13 to 16 category and travels to Germany in October for the World Championships to defend her title.

She took up kickboxing at the age of five and has more than 130 medals and trophies to her credit from various competitions.

Amber – who trains with Devils Martial Arts in Oakdale – has been abroad with the Welsh Squad on several occasions, including visits to Holland, Rome, Cyprus, Paris and Germany.

She has gone on to achieve a black belt and various prestigious titles including European Gold, ICO Welsh Open Champion, Lordswood Open Champion, ICO Battle of Wales Champion, and the world title which she won in Paris in November 2012.

But despite overcoming meningitis as a child, Amber now faces a daily fight after being diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome two years ago.

Ms Roberts added: “[It] means that she always feels extremely tired no matter how much sleep she has along with a whole host of other symptoms.

“She was told by physiotherapists that if she could not get her symptoms under control then she would have to give up kickboxing to which she replied ‘over my dead body’! She tries very hard for the CFS not to rule her life and trains and competes as normal.”

Amber, who is already being sponsored by Blackwood Rotary Club this year, is looking for donations or sponsors to help her travel.

If you can help, contact Suzanne Roberts on 07912 893 498 or at sueroberts69@hotmail.co.uk