‘Boxing saved my life’
A former soldier who suffered mental health problems and attempted suicide, has used boxing to turn his life around.
Kyle Devlin, 23, attempted to take his own life at the beginning of the year, but the warehouse worker says boxing has helped put his life back on track.
The father-of-one from Penshaw took part in Ultra White Collar Boxing to give himself something to focus on and regain his fitness, making “really good friends” in the process.
Participants are given the opportunity to take part in eight weeks of free professional boxing training before a showcase event in front of hundreds of spectators. Those taking part are asked to sell tickets for the show and raise at least £50 for Cancer Research UK.
So far Ultra Events, the company behind the event, has raised £19million for the charity.
Kyle, originally from Langholm in Scotland, served in the Scots Guards for three years until he was medically discharged in 2016 after suffering a severe foot injury.
His mental health deteriorated. But he “wasn't sure why” and early this year he attempted suicide. After the attempt failed, he signed up for the charity boxing event to get fit.
He said: "I tried to take my own life, I was at the lowest point. I had seen Ultra White Collar Boxing advertised online and I knew it would give me something to focus on and get my life back on track.
"I wanted to get in shape, but the mental health benefits made a massive difference for me."
Kyle trained at Armageddon Fit S&C Academy in Southwick.After eight weeks of intensive training, he fought in front of hundreds at The Point in Holmeside on June 17.
With fiancee Kenya Watson, 23, watching on, as well as his two-year-old daughter, Tori, Kyle entered the arena to Tupac's Ride Or Die.
He lost his bout in the second round, but he said the experience has inspired him to become an amateur boxer.
He added: "I ended up raising £360, it was an amazing experience. Unfortunately I lost the fight, but I have signed up for the next one to get a win under my belt.
For more information, visit www.ultrawhitecollarboxing.co.uk/locations/sunderland