On Friday 29 March, you have the opportunity to see me fight in a white collar boxing match! I've been training since the beginning of February (check out that sweaty post-workout selfie!), and am absolutely thrilled to get in the ring, and more importantly, to have this chance to raise funds for Mind.

Mind is a charity near and dear to my heart: as many of you know, I have depression and anxiety. My issues went undiagnosed for years, severely impacting every aspect of my life, including my work and education, my hobbies, my relationships, my self-image, and even my physical health. 

Since being diagnosed and beginning treatment, my life has improved a thousand times over. I wholeheartedly believe that everyone could benefit from therapy at one point or another in their lives, and Mind seeks to make sure that everyone has access to mental health resources. Furthermore, Mind also works to combat the stigma surrounding mental health issues, and support legislation to protect people with these issues in their homes, in the workplace, and in public.

As much as I'd love to win my match, I'd love to raise more for Mind than anyone else even more. So please donate what you can, and share this page so others can give as well! Every penny counts, and supports better mental health for us all -- thank you!

Fight Night

My match will take place at the Troxy, a gorgeous art-deco event venue in Stepney, London. Located at 490 Commercial Rd, London E1 0HX, it's just around the corner from Stepney Green (District, Hammersmith & City) and Limehouse (c2c, DLR) stations.

Doors open at 17:00, and fights start at 18:30. Arrive early to get the best seats (unless you're at a table or booth) and relax.

There's also a free post-match after party at the swanky Eight Club (1 Dysart St, London EC2A 2BX -- near Liverpool Street, Barbican, and Old Street stations) -- but space is strictly limited, so RSVP ASAP!

The fight night is strictly black-tie, so please: ladies, treat yourselves to a new dress (you're worth it!), and gentlemen, come doing your best James Bond impression. The evening also falls on Brexit Day, so come and drink your worries away!

Ticket Information

Tickets range from £24 to £54 for a seat at a Gold Table -- talk to me if you'd like to sit ringside, I have just a few available! Otherwise, please go to https://www.thewhitecollarfightclub.co.uk/tickets to buy tickets or look at a seating chart. There's a ticket for every budget, and it's a steal for this black tie event!

FAQ's

1) Why boxing?       

-- Why not boxing?! It's a great physical workout, it's a mental game as much as a physical one, and it's a perfect challenge: just you vs. your opponent. Plus, why pass up the opportunity to do something different for a great cause?

2) But you might get hurt!       

-- I might get hurt crossing the street, too. At least I'm wearing gloves and a headguard in the ring!

3) Màiri, I like you. Really, I don't want to see you get hurt.       

-- Then come cheer me on, or donate here! The more support I have, the better my chances of doing well!

4) I don't like you. So why support you?       

-- That's cool, I get it. You're still giving to a great cause, though! And of all people, you should really come to watch the fight: live vicariously through my opponent!

5) But I don't like sports or violence.       

-- That's fine, donate to help others, and come see me fight if you like fine art -- by the end of the night, I may look like a Picasso!

6) Aren't you nervous? 

-- A little, but it's not my first time getting punched in the face!

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page!

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.