Sunday, 17 April 2011

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Frank Bruno: Mental illness can happen to anybody

Boxing legend Frank Bruno opens up about his nervous breakdown

Frank Bruno is intent on keeping fit and healthy now

Boxer Frank Bruno was on top of the world when he became 1995 World Heavyweight Champion.

But his mental health deteriorated after he retired from the ring and his marriage broke up.

He was sectioned in September 2003.

‘At first it was hard being in that hospital. It was like being in prison,' recalls Frank, 49. 'But being sectioned was the best thing that ever happened to me.

‘After I came out of hospital, people would cross the road rather than walk past me in the street.

'It made me realise there is still a stigma attached to mental health.'

Frank and daughter Rachel, 24, are now backing an anti-stigma campaign called It's Time To Talk, It's Time To Change.

'Mental illness can happen to anybody,' Frank tells the Sunday Mirror.

'It could be your dad, your brother or your aunt. People need to have compassion for others.

'It's not shameful to have a nervous breakdown.'

Dilpreet Bhagrath