Telford man raises thousands for mental health following family tragedy

A young man from Telford has overcome personal tragedy to triumph in a charity boxing match, raising more than £2,000 for mental health awareness in memory of his father.

Elliott, 19, had never stepped foot in a boxing ring before he signed up for a white collar boxing event three months ago. His motivation was personal from the start, as he chose to support mental health charities due to his father’s 20-year struggle with his own wellbeing.

However, just two weeks into his training regime, the family was devastated when his father took his own life on 12 January at the age of 37. Despite the immense grief of losing a parent at such a young age, Elliott made the decision to continue his training for the big event, supported by his 14-year-old sister, Lacey.

Supported by a network of family and friends, the siblings turned their grief into action, launching a fundraising campaign that has since surpassed the £2,000 mark.

The culmination of Elliott’s hard work took place on Saturday 21 March at The Buttermarket in Shrewsbury. In an emotional entrance, Elliott walked to the ring as his father’s funeral song played throughout the venue. While Lacey was unable to attend the over-18s event in person, she watched the proceedings from home as her brother stepped through the ropes.

Elliott went on to win the fight, ending the match with tears in his eyes as he secured a victory for his family and the cause they have championed during their most difficult months.