Frank you, Doc Bruno
Boxing legend, 56, to land honorary degree over his mental health fight
BOXING legend Frank Bruno is being made a doctor after his amazing fight against mental health stigma. He will don a gown and mortarboard to accept an honorary doctorate at a graduation ceremony this week. Thrilled Frank, who has spoken candidly about his own battles with mental health, will be alongside 4,000 graduates collecting their degrees at Bournemouth University. The former heavyweight star said: “I had a dream to be world champion in boxing just like my hero Muhammad Ali.
“It was a long journey but, through blood sweat and tears, I managed to climb that mountain and reach the peak of my success.
“My trainer always said my problems would start after I finished boxing and never a truer word was said. Since I retired I have been blessed by the way the British public have continued to hold me in high esteem.
“This honour, I would like to think, it’s not only for my achievements in boxing but also in recognition of the work and the constant battle I’m trying to fight on behalf of the sufferers and carers of sufferers who have experienced this terrible strain of mental ill health. I am honoured more than I can truly express.”
Frank, who is 57 this month, also launched the Frank Bruno Foundation to help people with mental health issues.
Others being honoured at Bournemouth include Madeleine Wickham, 48, who writes under the name Sophie Kinsella and is known for her Shopaholic series. She said: “I am delighted.”