This November, I’m taking on a personal challenge: 100 rounds of sparring, 100 rounds of bag work, and 100 rounds of shadow boxing across the month, to raise awareness and funds for South East and Central Essex Mind — a charity dedicated to supporting men who are silently fighting battles within themselves every single day.

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My Story

My battle with mental health started young.

By the age of 10, I was already in the mental health system — medicated and in therapy.

By 17, I was in and out of mental institutions, facing thoughts and emotions no teenager should ever have to face. This isn’t just my story, it’s the story of many, including family members and friends of my own.

I’ve survived multiple years of darkness that at times felt impossible to climb out of. There were moments when I didn’t think I’d make it — but so far I have, and I will continue to fight every step of the way

Now I’ve dedicated everything I do, to helping people. I want to turn that pain into purpose.

Boxing became my therapy — the discipline, the focus, and the release gave me something I couldn’t find anywhere else. It taught me resilience, control, and how to keep fighting even when my mind told me to give up.

Today, I teach boxing to people who struggle with mental health issues and confidence problems. I’ve seen first-hand how the sport can rebuild self-belief and give people strength they didn’t know they had.

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The Challenge

• 100 rounds of sparring across November.

• 100 rounds of bag work

• 100 rounds of shadow boxing

• Every round symbolises a battle with the mind — the invisible fight so many men face in silence.

• I’ll be sharing updates and reflections throughout the month to raise awareness and keep the conversation open.

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The Message

This isn’t about showing toughness — it’s about showing truth.

Men’s mental health matters. Strength isn’t silence; strength is speaking, surviving, and choosing to fight another day.

If these 100 rounds can inspire even one man to open up, to seek help, or to hold on — then every round will have been worth it.

And please — anyone who needs someone to talk to can always reach out to me.

No judgment, no bravado — just someone to talk to.

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Why It Matters

The statistics around men’s mental health are devastating.

• 1 in 4 men will experience a mental health problem at some point in their lives.

• In the UK, around 75% of suicides are men.

• Suicide remains the biggest killer of men under 50.

And as we approach Christmas, the struggle becomes even harder for many. Loneliness, financial pressure, and emotional isolation can make this time of year unbearable — especially for those already fighting silent battles.

That’s why this challenge isn’t just about raising money — it’s about raising awareness, connection, and hope. No man should feel he’s fighting alone.

Every donation goes directly to South East and Central Essex Mind, who provide vital support and resources for people struggling with their mental health.

Please donate whatever you can. Share the message.

Let’s fight this together — one round at a time.

www.secemind.org.uk