A father from Maesteg, in Bridgend, has stepped into the boxing ring to fight against mental health and turn his own life around after crippling anxiety resulted in a panic attack while driving.
Anthony Trubridge, 28, who works as an HGV driver, took part in an Ultra White Collar Boxing (UWCB) event at the Vale Sport Arena in Cardiff to raise funds for Movember after his own mental health had taken a turn.
Movember raises awareness and funds for issues that specifically impact men including prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health, and suicide.
Anthony decided to take part to improve his own mental health and to provide a positive role model for his daughter.
Anthony endured a long period filled with stress and crippling anxiety further to his marriage ending – culminating in a panic attack while driving earlier this year. Determined to ensure this did not happen again, he made a commitment to turn his life around.
“At the start of this year, my mental health took a bad turn, I felt like I had pretty much hit rock bottom,” said Anthony. “I was a complete shell of myself. But after the panic attack, something suddenly clicked. I had a burning desire to take action and become someone with a zest for living life to the fullest – and I’ve honestly not looked back since.”
Anthony began researching ways to improve his mental health when he came across Ultra White Collar Boxing.
“As soon as I saw Ultra on Facebook, and started reading the great testimonials on their website, I knew it was going to be the perfect route for me,” he continued. “I felt boxing could help me to channel my energy, teach me how to improve my health, and ultimately stay accountable to myself. Now, I can safely say that I was absolutely right!”
After getting to know his fellow participants during training and hearing about their stories, he started feeling like he had a community of people he trusted.
“After months of isolation, I finally felt like I had met a group of people I could open up to. I didn’t realise how physically challenging the training was going to be, but the relationships I started forming and confidence I started to gain made me want to keep going back.”
Participants like Anthony are given the opportunity to take part in eight weeks of free professional boxing training at gyms ahead of each bout, before a showcase event in front of hundreds of spectators.
Anthony trained at Gracie Barra Cardiff under the guidance of respected coach Rik Swaine and his team.’ His fitness journey has also been supported by his personal trainer Briannon, who, alongside Ultra’s training, he credits with helping his transformation.
Reflecting further on the experience, Anthony said: “The eight week training programme is brilliant. The sessions were tough, but designed to be inclusive so no one gets left behind. The entire process encourages you to think about your own well-being and learn self-discipline,” he continued. “I changed my diet and stuck to it, as I wanted to feel good and perform at my best.”
Talking about why he chose to raise money for Movember, he said: “They do so much for men’s mental health, and I know first-hand how difficult it can be to speak up as a man. But when you do and other people say they have felt the same way, it makes you feel less alone.
“After the separation I felt I was on my own. But Ultra gave me a community. It really was a life-changing experience for me.”
On the night, Anthony faced his training partner Tyler in a closely-matched contest which he eventually lost on points. He was cheered on by his parents Mandy and Simon, and a group of 15 people on the night.
“All the participants had to choose a nickname which was printed on our vests. My mum gave me the idea of The Phoenix, as I always come back stronger like a Phoenix rising from the ashes. She was really chuffed that I chose it, and had some custom shorts created to match my vest.
“I also walked out to a song called Rising from the Ashes by The Reveal Inc. The lyrics to the song summed up my life, what I was going through, how I was feeling and then the journey to getting back to where I am now.”
Participants are asked to raise at least £50 for their chosen charity, a target Anthony surpassed, by raising over £300.
Anthony concluded, “For anyone considering signing up, I understand how daunting it can be – but trust me when I say, it is 100% worth it. Training is tough, but you will never regret the person you become and friends you make along the way. It is such a fantastic process to go through – I loved it so much I am doing it all over again.”
Ultra Events, the company behind the UWCB events, has raised over £41 million for charity, with over £500,000 raised in Cardiff alone.
