I'm here to raise money for the Mental Health Foundation, and to prove to those who also may be struggling as I have, that we all have the ability to channel our negative emotions and experiences, and use them as motivation to put some good in our own little corners of the world.

I believe we all have potential to spiral into any type of mental health disorder, whether it be the environment we're surrounded by, or the genetics we have. Both of these factors are often out of our control, especially when we're younger. What we all have control over is how we apply these emotions in our daily life going forward. 

That is why I've decided to sign up for a U.W.C.B. (Ultra White Collar Boxing) training program both as a way to raise money for the Mental Health Foundation, in order to find the source of mental health problems, and to address my own negative cycle I find myself in. Exercise is incredibly good for your head, so a scrap to raise money for mental health seemed like a good way to motivate myself to get in the gym more.

In the UK, the leading cause of death in young people aged 20-34 is suicide. Many people don't see hope, and they don't talk about it at all. It's not just that they don't want to talk about how they feel and what's going on, it's oftentimes more of what's the point? Two people I had known had decided to end their own lives last year. One of them was vocal about their troubles and seeking help and never received proper treatment, the other you wouldn't have known was so depressed as he never talked about it. 

Getting professional help is becoming increasingly harder in the UK due to the increase of demand for mental health services since COVID, so I think it's important now more than ever to be a more proactive in our approach to battling mental health rather than relying on the system and overloading it.

By doing this match and raising money for charity, I hope to address those people who struggle to wake up every morning or see the point in getting out of bed, and prove to them theres always something in our lives worth living for. Whether you don't have much faith in the system, or you don't currently talk to anyone about what's truly on your mind, there's always something that'll pop up to help you carry on. Whether it's a new person who enters your life, a hobby you enjoy, or for me a scrap for charity, give it your full attention. You can do anything you put your mind to when you learn to harness your emotions rather than let them control you. You've got this. We'll get through this.

The Mental Health Foundation is the UK’s charity for everyone’s mental health.With prevention at the heart of what they do, the Mental Health Foundation aim to find and address the sources of mental health problems so that people and communities can thrive. With increased funding into the Research & Development of mental health, we will increase our understanding of how to more effectively treat those with mental illness. All donations will go directly to the mental health foundation.

ANY DONATIONS ARE APPRECIATED. THANK YOU! :)