Mental Health and illness

Subterms

    More stories

    • 163 Shares189 Views

      in Boxing

      Frank Bruno reveals he was sectioned under Mental Health Act during coronavirus lockdown

      by

      FRANK Bruno today reveals he was sectioned under the Mental Health Act during lockdown and admits: “I hit rock bottom.”The ex-world heavyweight boxing champ, 60 next month, was taken to hospital by police and kept there for six weeks after family and friends grew fearful for his safety.
      Ex-world boxing champ Frank Bruno today reveals he was sectioned under the Mental Health Act during lockdown
      The heavyweight athlete, 60, admits ‘I hit rock bottom’ as he was taken to hospital ‘for my own safety and for the safety of others’, pictured is his heroic ’96 Tyson fightCredit: Getty
      Mental health campaigner Frank, who has bipolar disorder, said the loss of friends to Covid combined with lockdown led to him suffering another breakdown.
      And, shockingly, we can reveal a mental health worker who looked after Frank after his release is being investigated for allegedly calling the star by mobile while on a night out with pals in a pub.
      Among the incidents which prompted friends to act and get him sectioned were:

      EXCESSIVE fitness training daily at home in an attempt to keep his demons at bay;
      TRYING to arrange a boxing comeback, and;
      CONCERN that he wanted to pay £60,000 for a car worth less than £20,000.

      Londoner Frank, famed for his two brave battles with fearsome US rival “Iron” Mike Tyson in 1989 and 1996, said: “It has been the hardest and most terrifying time of my life. I hit rock bottom and ­suffered a breakdown.

      ‘Face up to the fact my illness had returned’
      “For my own safety and for the safety of others, I was sectioned and taken back into hospital. I had to face up to the fact my illness had returned after years of keeping a lid on it. I had to fight for my sanity and there were times I feared I wouldn’t get through it.
      “Being locked up against your will is the worst thing you can ever imagine. It’s ten times scarier than boxing. Being in a hospital for weeks during the pandemic only made it all the more terrifying. But, thankfully, not least due to the support and love of family and friends, I was able to pull myself away from the cliff-edge. I’m still standing.”
      Frank’s nightmare began when lockdown was first introduced. He explained: “All the routine and structure in my world ­vanished. Work started to be ­cancelled.
      “Gyms closed. And the health spa near my house, which is like a second home, shut too. I quickly felt like a bit of a prisoner in my own home and my illness started to take hold again.
      “Then, when I started to lose friends to Covid, it was like a ­perfect storm was crashing around above my head.”
      A series of incidents left his friends, family and managers concerned about Frank’s safety. These included excessive training in the gym in his shed and weight loss — and, worryingly, trying to arrange boxing bouts.
      Being locked up against your will is the worst thing you can ever imagine. It’s ten times scarier than boxing.Frank Bruno
      The star retired in 1996 after being told he could lose the sight in one eye after his second defeat to Tyson. But he contacted promoter Frank Warren’s office. He also called his agent and asked for £60,000 to be transferred from his account to buy a car which was worth £20,000, sparking fears of an attempted rip-off.
      Frank was eventually taken by police minibus, with two cops sat either side of him, to Luton and Central Bedfordshire Hospital mental health unit on June 28 last year. He had six weeks of intensive treatment and has since had care from community nurses.
      Frank is also on medication to try to control his illness. The ex-ring favourite, who recently had a reunion with “Iron” Mike for a documentary and also posed with current Brit world heavyweight title holder Tyson Fury, said he is now close to being back to his best.
      And he is to reveal all about his battle — and how he won it — in a new book called Frank Bruno: 60 Years A Fighter, out next month. But Frank has also told how he was recently shocked by a phone call from a care team member.
      He said: “I got a call late one night from a number I didn’t ­recognise. When I answered it, I could hear singing and laughing in the background. It quickly became clear that one of the staff in charge of my aftercare was on his mobile down the pub and passing me round his mates.”
      Last night a spokesman for Frank said the incident was subject to an NHS investigation. The health trust that employs the worker refused to comment.
      YOU’RE NOT ALONEEVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicide.
      It doesn’t discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society – from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers.
      It’s the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes.
      And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women.
      Yet it’s rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now.
      That is why The Sun launched the You’re Not Alone campaign.
      The aim is that by sharing practical advice, raising awareness and breaking down the barriers people face when talking about their mental health, we can all do our bit to help save lives.
      Let’s all vow to ask for help when we need it, and listen out for others… You’re Not Alone.
      If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support:

      ‘Learning how to live with it better’
      Frank, who struggled after quitting boxing, was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 1998 and was sectioned for the first time in 2003.
      The dad of four, divorced from wife Laura in 2001, spoke out about his battle as he fears tens of thousands are suffering in silence with mental health problems brought on by the disruption of pandemic.
      His charity The Frank Bruno Foundation is holding a fund-raising ball in November in a bid to help others.
      Frank said: “I want to say it’s OK to admit you need some help. Right now, I’m doing well, but I know I can never get ahead of myself or take things for granted. My illness will be with me for life and the challenge is learning how to live with it better.”

      Frank, who suffers from bipolar disorder, opens up about his battle in his new book
      His charity The Frank Bruno Foundation is holding a fund-raising ball in November in a bid to help others, here with Mike Tyson
      Frank, here with Tyson Fury, says ‘I want to say it’s OK to admit you need some help’Credit: Twitter / @Tyson_FuryShining a light on a big crisisLiam Barnes

      FRANK Bruno deserves huge praise for opening up about the impact Covid-19 has had on his mental health.
      Over the past 18 months, The Laura Hyde Foundation has supported thousands who have suffered devastating relapses in pre-existing conditions due to the pandemic.
      Lockdown led to a sudden loss of a normal routine, structure and connections to a support network.
      Add in the closure of mental health services and leisure and wellbeing facilities — a vital lifeline for many — and you have a perfect storm.But by speaking out, Frank has now ensured a spotlight is shining brightly on an issue The Laura Hyde Foundation has been campaigning on.
      Covid-19 has created a major crisis in mental health which the Government must urgently address.

      FOR support call the Samaritans free any time, from any phone, on 116 123. Whatever you’re going through, a Samaritan will face it with you.

      Liam is chairman of The Laura Hyde Foundation, one of the country’s leading mental health charities.

      Fifty eight year old Frank Bruno shares his daily workout tips to stay happy and healthy during lockdown More

    • 163 Shares159 Views

      in Boxing

      Frank Bruno reveals he was sectioned under the Mental Health Act during lockdown

      by

      FRANK Bruno today reveals he was sectioned under the Mental Health Act during lockdown and admits: “I hit rock bottom.”The ex-world heavyweight boxing champ, 60 next month, was taken to hospital by police and kept there for six weeks after family and friends grew fearful for his safety.
      Ex-world boxing champ Frank Bruno today reveals he was sectioned under the Mental Health Act during lockdown
      The heavyweight athlete, 60, admits ‘I hit rock bottom’ as he was taken to hospital ‘for my own safety and for the safety of others’, here his heroic ’96 Tyson fightCredit: Getty
      Mental health campaigner Frank, who has bipolar disorder, said the loss of friends to Covid combined with lockdown led to him suffering another breakdown.
      And, shockingly, we can reveal a mental health worker who looked after Frank after his release is being investigated for allegedly calling the star by mobile while on a night out with pals in a pub.
      Among the incidents which prompted friends to act and get him sectioned were:

      EXCESSIVE fitness training daily at home in an attempt to keep his demons at bay;
      TRYING to arrange a boxing comeback, and;
      CONCERN that he wanted to pay £60,000 for a car worth less than £20,000.

      Londoner Frank, famed for his two brave battles with fearsome US rival “Iron” Mike Tyson in 1989 and 1996, said: “It has been the hardest and most terrifying time of my life. I hit rock bottom and ­suffered a breakdown.

      ‘Face up to the fact my illness had returned’
      “For my own safety and for the safety of others, I was sectioned and taken back into hospital. I had to face up to the fact my illness had returned after years of keeping a lid on it. I had to fight for my sanity and there were times I feared I wouldn’t get through it.
      “Being locked up against your will is the worst thing you can ever imagine. It’s ten times scarier than boxing. Being in a hospital for weeks during the pandemic only made it all the more terrifying. But, thankfully, not least due to the support and love of family and friends, I was able to pull myself away from the cliff-edge. I’m still standing.”
      Frank’s nightmare began when lockdown was first introduced. He explained: “All the routine and structure in my world ­vanished. Work started to be ­cancelled.
      “Gyms closed. And the health spa near my house, which is like a second home, shut too. I quickly felt like a bit of a prisoner in my own home and my illness started to take hold again.
      “Then, when I started to lose friends to Covid, it was like a ­perfect storm was crashing around above my head.”
      A series of incidents left his friends, family and managers concerned about Frank’s safety. These included excessive training in the gym in his shed and weight loss — and, worryingly, trying to arrange boxing bouts.
      Being locked up against your will is the worst thing you can ever imagine. It’s ten times scarier than boxing.Frank Bruno
      The star retired in 1996 after being told he could lose the sight in one eye after his second defeat to Tyson. But he contacted promoter Frank Warren’s office. He also called his agent and asked for £60,000 to be transferred from his account to buy a car which was worth £20,000, sparking fears of an attempted rip-off.
      Frank was eventually taken by police minibus, with two cops sat either side of him, to Luton and Central Bedfordshire Hospital mental health unit on June 28 last year. He had six weeks of intensive treatment and has since had care from community nurses.
      Frank is also on medication to try to control his illness. The ex-ring favourite, who recently had a reunion with “Iron” Mike for a documentary and also posed with current Brit world heavyweight title holder Tyson Fury, said he is now close to being back to his best.
      And he is to reveal all about his battle — and how he won it — in a new book called Frank Bruno: 60 Years A Fighter, out next month. But Frank has also told how he was recently shocked by a phone call from a care team member.
      He said: “I got a call late one night from a number I didn’t ­recognise. When I answered it, I could hear singing and laughing in the background. It quickly became clear that one of the staff in charge of my aftercare was on his mobile down the pub and passing me round his mates.”
      Last night a spokesman for Frank said the incident was subject to an NHS investigation. The health trust that employs the worker refused to comment.
      YOU’RE NOT ALONEEVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicide.
      It doesn’t discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society – from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers.
      It’s the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes.
      And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women.
      Yet it’s rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now.
      That is why The Sun launched the You’re Not Alone campaign.
      The aim is that by sharing practical advice, raising awareness and breaking down the barriers people face when talking about their mental health, we can all do our bit to help save lives.
      Let’s all vow to ask for help when we need it, and listen out for others… You’re Not Alone.
      If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support:

      ‘Learning how to live with it better’
      Frank, who struggled after quitting boxing, was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 1998 and was sectioned for the first time in 2003.
      The dad of four, divorced from wife Laura in 2001, spoke out about his battle as he fears tens of thousands are suffering in silence with mental health problems brought on by the disruption of pandemic.
      His charity The Frank Bruno Foundation is holding a fund-raising ball in November in a bid to help others.
      Frank said: “I want to say it’s OK to admit you need some help. Right now, I’m doing well, but I know I can never get ahead of myself or take things for granted. My illness will be with me for life and the challenge is learning how to live with it better.”

      Frank, who suffers from bipolar disorder, opens up about his battle in his new book
      His charity The Frank Bruno Foundation is holding a fund-raising ball in November in a bid to help others, here with Mike Tyson
      Frank, here with Tyson Fury, says ‘I want to say it’s OK to admit you need some help’Credit: Twitter / @Tyson_FuryShining a light on a big crisisLiam Barnes

      FRANK Bruno deserves huge praise for opening up about the impact Covid-19 has had on his mental health.
      Over the past 18 months, The Laura Hyde Foundation has supported thousands who have suffered devastating relapses in pre-existing conditions due to the pandemic.
      Lockdown led to a sudden loss of a normal routine, structure and connections to a support network.
      Add in the closure of mental health services and leisure and wellbeing facilities — a vital lifeline for many — and you have a perfect storm.But by speaking out, Frank has now ensured a spotlight is shining brightly on an issue The Laura Hyde Foundation has been campaigning on.
      Covid-19 has created a major crisis in mental health which the Government must urgently address.

      FOR support call the Samaritans free any time, from any phone, on 116 123. Whatever you’re going through, a Samaritan will face it with you.

      Liam is chairman of The Laura Hyde Foundation, one of the country’s leading mental health charities.

      Fifty eight year old Frank Bruno shares his daily workout tips to stay happy and healthy during lockdown More

    • 213 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      London rivals Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham raise over £200,000 for mental health charity Mind from pre-season contests

      by

      LONDON’S Premier League rivals raised over £220,000 for charity with their pre-season Mind Series matches.With summer tours off the agenda for Tottenham, Arsenal and Chelsea this year, the trio squared off against each other to help raise money for the mental health organisation.
      Fans returned to stadiums for the summer Mind SeriesCredit: Getty
      The tournament was a big success with £228,064 raised for Mind, as well as the three clubs’ own charitable foundations.
      Players also took part in mental health awareness sessions to help engage fans in supporting those around them.
      Eric Dier, Christian Pulisic and Rob Holding spoke on a video call with young supporters who use Mind’s services.
      Paul Farmer, Chief executive of Mind, said: “We have been overwhelmed by the level of support shown by the fans, players and staff alike over the course of The Mind Series.
      “We know how powerful a platform football can be to create change and having the backing of Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur to help us put a spotlight on mental health has been invaluable.
      “Alongside the awareness raised, the Series has also surpassed all our expectations in the amount of funds it has raised for our vital local and national services.

      “At a national level, funds raised will help support our Infoline and other advice services which have been inundated with enquiries since the pandemic began.”
      On the pitch, there were also heartwarming scenes as Spurs fans showed their support for Bukayo Saka following the Arsenal and England star’s Euro 2020 heartbreak and subsequent abuse online.
      The Gunners fell to defeat in both matches, losing to Chelsea thanks to a late Tammy Abraham goal before Son-Heung min struck Tottenham’s winner in the North London derby friendly.
      Spurs then came from behind to snatch a 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge.

      Watch emotional moment Arsenal legend Ian Wright and Paul Gascoigne embrace as they meet at Classic Shirts exhibition More

    • 163 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      England’s Euro 2020 squad will be offered therapy developed for soldiers with PTSD

      by

      ENGLAND’S Euro 2020 squad will be offered “mind therapy” treatment developed by scientists to help soldiers with PTSD to prepare for the finals.The players will spend the next week at stunning Rockcliffe Hall in Co Durham as they play friendlies against Austria and Romania.
      Gareth Southgate’s squad will have access to amazing facilities and supportCredit: Getty
      The FA has booked all 61 bedrooms at the five-star resort, which is nestled in 375 acres of quiet countryside.
      The squad will be able to enjoy some rest and relaxation in the hotel’s 50,000sq ft spa facility, which is among the largest in the country
      And stars including Marcus Rashford, Harry Kane and Phil Foden will also be able to use a “Mind Therapy Room” to get them into the right frame of mind ahead of the team’s first group stage game against Croatia on June 13.
      The stars will lie on a vibrating dentist’s chair-style sound wave bed which was invented by American scientists to help war veterans suffering with PTSD.
      Players will be invited to put headphones on and a face mask placed over their eyes before soft music is played to them, along with a series of beeps.
      The 30-minute treatment is said to help move brainwaves from the alpha state, which is a state of relaxation, to the slower delta waves, which we experience when we are asleep.
      A source said: “The players have had a long, hard season and have very little time off. So it’s only right that they get to spend some downtime in a beautiful hotel.
      “The spa is huge and regarded as one of the best in the country and the golf course is top notch too.
      “Some of the players could benefit from some mind therapy treatments to help clear their minds and relax them and help them sleep properly so their bodies can mend.”
      Earlier this week England boss Gareth Southgate revealed that Wags and families will be banned from the team hotel for the duration of the tournament, which starts on June 11.
      He said: “We’re not going to be able to let people in. There’s a clear edict from Uefa on what the bubbles need to look like to be as secure as we can make them.
      “It’s never going to be 100 per cent fail safe but we’ve got to comply with as much as we can.
      Stars including Marcus Rashford will be able to use a ‘Mind Therapy Room’ to get them into the right frame of mind ahead of the team’s first group game against CroatiaCredit: PA
      A source said: ‘Some of the players could benefit from some mind therapy treatments to help clear their minds and relax them’ – pictured Harry KaneCredit: PA

      “We’re hoping that we might at some point be able to let the players have a little bit of time at home.
      “But that’s constantly being assessed. It’d be a preference for us if we can.”England begin their Euro 2020 campaign underway against Croatia on June 13 at Wembley.
      The Three Lions then face Scotland on June 18 before concluding their Group D fixtures with a match against Czech Republic on June 22.
      Gareth Southgate to ditch iconic waistcoat for Euro 2020 after England boss stole show with outfit at Russia World Cup More

    • 213 Shares169 Views

      in Boxing

      Tyson Fury gives up booze for good as he admits drinking up to 12 pints a DAY

      by

      TYSON Fury has gone teetotal as he looks to keep his mental health demons at bay.The boxing champ, 32 — who confessed to drinking 12 pints a day — has vowed to family and friends he will stay off booze.
      Boxer Tyson Fury has gone teetotal in a bid to keep his mental health demons at bayCredit: Getty
      Champ Tyson confessed to drinking 12 pints a day but has vowed to family and friends he will stay off boozeCredit: Xposure
      “Gypsy King” Fury has spoken openly about his drink, drugs, and mental health issues in the past.
      He was spotted this week with his boxer half-brother Tommy, 22, relaxing by a pool in Miami — with Fury sipping from a bottle of alcohol-free lager.
      A source said: “Tyson has kicked the booze on the head for good.
      “It is not because of the boxing, because he can always get in shape for fights and obviously doesn’t drink during training camps.
      “Tyson is doing this for himself and his family — especially his wife Paris.
      “And he reckons it is the best way to be a great dad and stay in shape physically and mentally.”
      Undefeated heavyweight Fury said in March he was drinking up to a dozen beers a day and had quit training as he was fed up with fights collapsing.
      The 6ft 9in star said: “I have stopped training at the moment, I am on holiday.
      “I am drinking between eight, ten, 12 pints of lager a day.”
      Sources said he could have been joking in a bid to speed up big-fight negotiations.
      And he is set to fight Anthony Joshua in Saudi Arabia, in August, in a unification bout worth up to £100million each.
      ‘Gypsy King’ Fury has spoken openly about his drink, drugs, and mental health issues in the pastCredit: Getty
      A source said: ‘Tyson has kicked the booze on the head for good’Credit: Getty

      Paris, 31, is pregnant with the couple’s sixth child.
      She sparked fears by posing without her wedding ring on Instagram.
      But our source insisted: “They are rock-solid.”
      Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua likely to start at 9pm UK time More

    • 188 Shares169 Views

      in Boxing

      Tyson Fury quits booze for good after admitting drinking up to 12 pints a DAY

      by

      TYSON Fury has gone teetotal as he bids to keep his mental health demons at bay.The boxing champ, 32 — who confessed to drinking 12 pints a day — has vowed to family and friends he will stay off booze.
      Boxer Tyson Fury has gone teetotal in a bid to keep his mental health demons at bayCredit: Getty
      Champ Tyson confessed to drinking 12 pints a day but has vowed to family and friends he will stay off boozeCredit: Xposure
      “Gypsy King” Fury has spoken openly about his drink, drugs, and mental health issues in the past.
      He was spotted this week with his boxer half-brother Tommy, 22, relaxing by a pool in Miami — with Fury sipping from a bottle of alcohol-free lager.
      A source said: “Tyson has kicked the booze on the head for good.
      “It is not because of the boxing, because he can always get in shape for fights and obviously doesn’t drink during training camps.
      “Tyson is doing this for himself and his family — especially his wife Paris.
      “And he reckons it is the best way to be a great dad and stay in shape physically and mentally.”
      Undefeated heavyweight Fury said in March he was drinking up to a dozen beers a day and had quit training as he was fed up with fights collapsing.
      The 6ft 9in star said: “I have stopped training at the moment, I am on holiday.
      “I am drinking between eight, ten, 12 pints of lager a day.”
      Sources said he could have been joking in a bid to speed up big-fight negotiations.
      And he is set to fight Anthony Joshua in Saudi Arabia, in August, in a unification bout worth up to £100million each.
      ‘Gypsy King’ Fury has spoken openly about his drink, drugs, and mental health issues in the pastCredit: Getty
      A source said: ‘Tyson has kicked the booze on the head for good’Credit: Getty

      Paris, 31, is pregnant with the couple’s sixth child.
      She sparked fears by posing without her wedding ring on Instagram.
      But our source insisted: “They are rock-solid.”
      Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua likely to start at 9pm UK time More

    • 238 Shares109 Views

      in Boxing

      Luke Campbell warns Brit lightweight rivals not to write him off into retirement aged 33 after Ryan Garcia loss

      by

      LUKE CAMPBELL has warned his British lightweight rivals not to write him off into retirement just yet.Hull’s 2012 Olympic hero lost his third world title crack in January after travelling to America to face red-hot prospect Ryan Garcia.
      Luke Campbell dropped Ryan Garcia in their January clash but the American climbed off the canvas to stop the brave BritCredit: Getty
      The 33-year-old has recovered at home with his family and opened his own gym, where he has bulked up with some new muscle.
      But a look at the domestic boxing rankings – where Welshman Lee Selby and Belfast’s James Tennyson have climbed above him – might have got his knuckles itching again.
      The southpaw told SunSport: “I haven’t mentioned anything about retirement, I have just been living family life and working on opening my new gym.
      “A lot of other people have talked about it but I am not sure and I am staying in shape.
      “I will have a look at the opportunities and see what opportunities are out.
      “James Tennyson would not last six rounds with me and Lee Selby is a mover who would be a bit more tricky and awkward but I would take care of both of those guys – no problem.
      “There isn’t a lightweight in Britain who should be ranked ahead of me and I would still have no problem proving that.”
      Luke Campbell says he handles lightweight business with Lee Selby no problemCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Belfast banger James Tennyson would be a short night’s work according to Luke CampbellCredit: Richard Pelham – The Sun
      Campbell’s fellow Team GB star Anthony Ogogo landed a bronze at the home games but was forced to retire after just 12 pro fights following a tragic eye injury.
      The Norfolk middleweight went through a series of heartbreaking operations to try to resurrect his career but has now found an incredible new calling back in a very different sort of ring.
      The former middleweight has burst on to the professional wrestling scene as heavyweight powerhouse in AEW – the new brand taking on WWE.
      And Campbell is hugely impressed by his old room-mate but fears he will always be too little to join him.
      He said: “I have caught a bit of Anthony wrestling but I haven’t spoken to him as he is over in America so much. It is certainly something different and I take my hat off to him.
      Anthony Ogogo had to retire from boxing after just 12 pro fights with a nightmare eye injuryCredit: Reuters
      Ogogo On his AEW Dynamite wrestling debutCredit: Instagram / @allelitewrestling

      “Injuries forced him out of the sport and job that he loved – before he could achieve most of the things he dreams of – and he has found a whole new calling and career.
      “He did always like it though, I remember us being in camp he would always be watching it, staying up until 5am to watch the pay-per-views.
      “I think he calls himself ‘The Guv’nor’ so he is clearly giving it a right crack and fair play to him.
      “Not sure it’ll be for me though, I’ve never seen many lightweight wrestling stars as skinny as me.”
      Everyday 18 people lose their lives to suicide in the UK.That’s why on 10th May I’m officially returning to boxing in support of @theCALMzone 🥊18 different opponents, 18 rounds of (shadow) boxing, while also having an open chat about our own experiences with mental health. pic.twitter.com/9zuF9VPzos— Luke Campbell MBE (@luke11campbell) April 14, 2021

      The R-word is always a hard one to put to boxers, very few people are around at the start to help them into the sport, so how dare anyone try to force them out of it?
      But Campbell has learned enough about the sad roll call of brilliant champions and brave men who have ended up penniless or hopeless when the final bell tolls.
      “Growing up in boxing I have always watched boxers struggle in retirement and always vowed that it would never be me,” he said.
      “I have learned from every mistake that sadly those before have made so, in a way, I have been planning my own exit strategy and retirement for the last 15 years.
      FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN SIGN UP OFFERS HERE

      “But I also know it is not as easy as that. Boxing is so strict and structured that stopping will cause a huge change and leave a huge hole in anyone’s life.
      “Most boxers’ identity, my identity, is being a fighter, it has defined me. And leaving that will leave me asking ‘who am I?’ and that is the scary bit.
      “That must be what a lot of fighters sadly struggle with and that is what I will be working against.”
      Luke Campbell says he is just focusing on spending time with the family after being away at Christmas before his fight More

    • 263 Shares149 Views

      in Boxing

      Watch Tyson Fury star in short film on addiction called You’re Not My Best Friend to mark World Mental Health Day

      by

      TYSON FURY has starred in a short film on addiction called You’re Not My Best Friend to commemorate World Mental Health Day.
      The Gypsy King made a miraculous comeback to the ring in 2018 after two-and-a-half years out battling substance abuse and depression.

      7

      7

      Tyson Fury starred in a short film to mark World Mental Health dayCredit: https://www.instagram.com/gypsyking101/

      7

      Fury co-authored a poem with poet Hussain ManawerCredit: https://www.instagram.com/gypsyking101/

      7

      Fury spoke powerfully about addiction in a black and white montageCredit: https://www.instagram.com/gypsyking101/

      And the WBC heavyweight world champion teamed up with poet Hussain Manawer on a poem read aloud in a powerful film montage shared on his Instagram page.
      The poem read: “You are not my best friend. Stop trying to tell me you are.
      “It’s because of you I started lying. It’s because of you my habits started changing. And because of you, more of you, I was buying.
      “But I agree, you are there for me when nobody else is, when I’m really feeling helpless.

      “But because of you, some of my closest friends are starting to call me selfish.
      “And I can’t explain it. How I love it when you take me to heaven but hate it when you drag me through hell quick.
      “But if you go, who will be there for me. When I’m alone, overthinking. There’s nothing or no-one like you that can care for me, it’s addiction.
      “Say it louder. I said it’s addiction. When you start to lose your power. It’s addiction.

      “When you are only living for the hour. You are not my best friend. Stop telling me you are.”

      7

      Fury’s poem was entitled You Are Not My Best FriendCredit: https://www.instagram.com/gypsyking101/

      7

      The film cuts away to images of Fury reflectingCredit: https://www.instagram.com/gypsyking101/

      TYME’S UP
      Tyson Fury vs Wilder CALLED OFF leaving door open for dream Joshua fight

      RACING TRAGEDY
      Spanish rally car co-driver Laura Salvo, 21, dies in crash at Rally Vidreiro

      CLOSE COL
      Watch moment Colombia star Santiago Arias’ ankle is left pointing the wrong way

      SUGAR COATED
      Lord Sugar slammed after Twitter poke at Arsenal backfires spectacularly

      FREE LION
      Wan-Bissaka set to SNUB England for DR Congo after replacing flag on Instagram

      NICK OF TIME
      Bendtner gambled away £400k in 90 mins at casino on brink of bankruptcy

      Contact the Samaritans

      If you have been affected by any of the issues in this article contact The Samaritans on 116 123. They are available for free at anytime.
      Or email https://www.samaritans.org/

      Speaking about the motivation behind the film, via Boxing News 24/7, Fury said: “It’s incredibly important to speak up and fight the stigma of mental health.
      “Boxers are the toughest of the tough but mental health affects each and every one of us differently.
      “Working with Hussain and creating the short film reminds people that they are not alone – help is always there and it’s important we keep talking about it.
      “This World Mental Health Day we need to redefine what it means to be a ‘strong man’.”

      7

      Fury beat Deontay Wilder in their February rematch to claim the WBC crownCredit: Reuters
      After snatching Wladimir Klitschko’s heavyweight crown in 2015, the 6ft 9in Brit ballooned in weight to 28st after boozing and bingeing on cocaine – leaving him feeling low and empty.
      Tragically, Fury revealed he even attempted to take his own life in 2016 by driving his Ferrari towards a bridge at 190mph.
      And the 32-year-old admitted to suffering with his mental health during lockdown – relying on his daily workouts to stop him ‘going round the bend’.
      Fury claimed the WBC belt after KOing Deontay Wilder in their February rematch but a trilogy fight is OFF, with the Bronze Bomber’s contract set to expire.
      And the door is open for the Gypsy King to fight Anthony Joshua in a colossal all-British heavyweight unification bout.

      Tyson Fury tells Anthony Joshua to grow a pair and step up to fight More