A World Cup-winning woman cricketer, who overcame a terrible start in life to achieve both academic and sporting success, is beginning a new career in public speaking.

Ebony-Jewel Rainford-Brent, whose early life was beset with tragedy, has joined the Leamington-based Global Coaching Company, headed by Warwick business coach and international conference speaker Bernie De Souza.

The 26-year-old, a member of the England team that won last year’s Women’s Cricket World Cup in Australia, was only five years old when her teenage brother was stabbed to death in the street.

As her remaining two brothers fell into decline – one in and out of prison for violence and theft, the other abusing drugs and alcohol – she was made a ward of court.

Then, aged 10, Ms Rainford-Brent, the daughter of a Jamaican immigrant mother and a father who abandoned the family and went to the United States, had her life changed by cricket.

Ms Rainford-Bren, who now also works for Cricket for Change, said: “This is a really exciting new venture for me. Bernie is one of the most respected speakers on the international conference circuit and I couldn’t be in better hands, learning my trade from the master. I feel I have so much advice to give about how to overcome challenges and I so want to help people to make the most of their lives and their businesses.”

Mr De Souza said: “She is an amazing example to everyone.

“She will hold audiences spellbound. What greater motivation can delegates get than hearing from an underprivileged black girl who rose to such dizzy heights by sheer guts, determination and personality.

”Ebony will be hugely popular as a conference speaker and I’m very much look forward to our sharing the platform together.”