Frank Bruno needs no introduction boxing audiences however when the last bell rang against Mike Tyson. Frank found himself without a purpose every day. This along with other factors caused him to suffer with Mental Health issues. Yes there was the opportunity for another TV appearance, or a speech somewhere but it was not quite the same as the professional boxing regime. After being sectioned twice Frank decided speak out on behalf of Mental Health sufferers and their carers. This had previously been a taboo subject the UK public were not aware of Mental Health issues unless they knew a sufferer. Frank felt that a boxers training in lifestyle, diet, exercise, wellbeing could help thousands of people who were on the cusp or suffering with Mental Health issues. The training would involve non contact boxing. Frank was quite vocal in the media about the treatment he received as a mental Health patient.
It would be fair to say Frank was the UK’s 1st Mental health Celebrity sufferer to speak out on behalf of the thousands of people who had issues. Frank launched his charity the Frank Bruno foundation in 2017 and his mental Health centre was opened after the covid delay in 2021. The centre has specific courses to help those who have issues and approximately a thousand people a month go through the doors of the foundation. Frank and or the charity also visit many companies or attend event’s all over the UK talking about Mental Health. With more and more youngsters now having MH issues the need for MH care is paramount all over the UK. Frank says what is needed is a centre like his in every town and city. The NHS cannot handle the enormous demand and Franks plea’s to the Government to do more has fallen on deaf ears. But Frank has not forgotten his grass roots he has a boxing academy in his name he says “We may not have any potential World Champions but we are keeping kids occupied who would otherwise be on street corners in gangs”
For over 20 years has been Life President of Presidents Sporting Club/ Essex Disabled Sports Foundation which has raised over £2.5 million this has been donated to schools and organisations, to provide sporting facilities and opportunities for disabled children. The money raised is used to provide sports equipment, coaching and tuition, hire of sports halls, the funding of outings and adventure type holidays. Taking part in sport increases the children’s self confidence, physical development and self esteem and helps them meet challenges that they may face later in life. All over Europe companies & promotors and other charities use Frank to help them raise money for their particular cause how much money has been raised is not known but for those who do advise Frank’s office it would be fair to say at least £250,000 per year for charity so from 1989 when Frank retired to this year that would at a guess be close on 9 million pounds. There is no other former boxer like Frank Bruno who 35 years after retiring from his beloved sport still sells out shows all over the UK. He raises millions of pounds for charity and has helped and continues to help Mental health suffers all over the World with his podcasts books and films. But if you talk to Frank and asked how he wanted to be remembered he says “A South London boy who wanted to conquer the World in Boxing, make a difference in people lives”. Both of which he has done in abundance .
