Fighting stigma in
Two boxing brothers who run a Wishaw gym are determined to keep up the fight against the social stigma attached to mental health issues.
Scott and Sam Allan, who own Rivals Gym in the town’s Main Street, raised £ 5,000 for Wishaw mental health support charity Chris’s House last year with their inaugural Knockout The Stigma event.
And now they are fighting to beat that total at the second attempt, as they believe the battle to improve mental health in the area is “more important than ever”.
Scott Allan said: “All these youngsters committing suicide is absolutely horrible.
“The worst part about it is they think it’s always going to be like that and they’re always going to feel that bad.
“They think they’re never going to feel better but we need to tell them they will. “Show them that they will. “When one person does it there seems to be a ripple effect and more follow.
“But we need to make it clear that it’s not the only way out.
“Chri s’s House i s such a heartwarming charity. They make it clear there is hope but we need to make sure people who need them know about them and actually go to them for help.
“Suicide is one of the biggest killers of men under 30 in our area which is frightening.
“If we can play a part in making things better and save just one life it will be worth it.”
The night, on Saturday September 7, will feature 12 bouts involving local fighters — including some who have fought bad mental health themselves.
Former Motherwell football star Stephen Craigan will be the after dinner speaker and Scott is pleading for local businesses to get involved and raise a knockout total for Chris’s House.
Scott added: “We raised £5,000 last year but we’re aiming for £8,000 this time around.
“We’re looking for businesses to sponsor fights again, donate prizes and anything they can spare for the charity.
“We are blessed to have Chris’s House right on our doorstep but they need our support.
“They give help 24/7 but they can’t fund it all themselves.”
To make a donation or sponsor an event, message Rivals Gym through their Facebook page.
For tickets and more information, visit; https://rivals-school-martial-arts. mymawebsite.com/product/rivalsfight-night-7th-september/
When one person does it there seems to be ripple effect and more follow