My name is Karl Etherington.

I’m a former Bellator heavyweight and MMA competitor, and a former British judo and sambo champion. I’ve always seen myself as a tough man physically and mentally.

But when I stopped competing in MMA, I struggled more than I expected. Losing that routine, identity, and sense of purpose had a real impact on my mental health. I found it hard to stay motivated and to figure out who I was outside of fighting.

What really helped me was finding rugby. Not an individual sport but a team sport. Being part of a team again, having that shared purpose, discipline, and camaraderie gave me structure and belonging when I needed it most.

We’ve seen high-profile figures like Tyson Fury speak openly about their struggles with mental health. Tyson has been incredibly honest about his journey, and the way he shares his experiences helps others feel less alone and that kind of openness is powerful and we all know Ricky Hatton who unfortunately lost his own battle last year.

Over the past month, I’ve set myself a challenge: completing 100 press-ups every single day. I didn’t do this just for fitness I did it to raise awareness for men’s mental health.

Like many people, I’ve lost people I know to suicide people who should never have felt that was their only option. And I genuinely believe that if more men felt able to talk, more lives could be saved.

That’s why I want to encourage others to set a challenge of their own. It doesn’t have to be 100 press-ups it could be a daily walk, a run, gym sessions, or anything that gives you structure, focus, and a positive outlet.

I’ve created a Gofund me page to raise money for men’s mental health charities. My goal is to raise £100,000 over the next year an amount that can genuinely make a real difference, fund support services, and help save lives.

If you can, please donate. If you can’t, please share the page with your friends, family, and work colleagues. Follow my journey on Instagram, get involved in your own challenge, and help spread the message.

I want to continue this challenge into February, people starting their own challenges and sharing our just giving page to join in for this great cause.

Let’s support men who are struggling. Let’s make talking normal. Let’s look after each other.Thank you.