FRANK Bruno today revealed that he was sectioned by the Mental Health Act during lockdown. He said: "I hit rock bottom."
After friends and family became concerned for his safety, the ex-world heavyweight boxing champion, now 60, was taken to hospital and kept there for six more weeks.
The 60-year-old heavyweight champion admitted that he had hit rock bottom and was taken to hospital 'for his own safety as well as for the safety of others.' Here is his incredible '96 Tyson fight
Frank, a mental health advocate, has suffered another breakdown after he lost his friends to Covid and was locked down.
Surprisingly, a mental health worker who cared for Frank after his release is under investigation. He allegedly called Frank by mobile while out with friends in a pub.
Several incidents prompted his friends to intervene and have him sequestrated were:
- To keep his demons away, he does intense fitness training at home daily.
- TRYING to organize a boxing return, and
- CONCERN: He wanted to spend PS60,000 on a car that was less than PS20,000.
Frank, a Londoner, was famous for his brave battles against fearsome US rival "Iron Mike Tyson" in 1989 and 1996. He said that it was the most difficult and terrifying time in his life. I reached rock bottom and had a complete breakdown.
"Face up to my illness'
"I was taken into hospital and sectioned for my safety as well as the safety of others. After years of trying to keep it under control, my illness returned. It was a battle for my sanity that I had to face, and I felt like I would never make it.
"Being held against your will is the worst thing that you could ever imagine." It is ten times more terrifying than boxing. It was even more frightening to be in a hospital for several weeks during the pandemic. I was able, thanks to the love and support of my family and friends to get me off the edge. I'm still standing."
Frank's nightmare started when lockdown was introduced. He said, "All the structure and routine in my world disappeared. He began to cancel all work.
"Gyms closed. The health spa that is near my home, which I consider a second home, also closed. My illness began to take root and I felt a little like a prisoner in the house.
"When I lost friends to Covid, it felt like a perfect storm was crashing around my head."
Frank's safety was in jeopardy after a series of events that left his family, friends and managers worried. This included his excessive training at the gym and weight loss. And, most worryingly, he tried to organize boxing bouts.
After Tyson's second defeat, the star quit in 1996. He contacted Frank Warren, a promoter. He called his agent to request PS60,000 from his account to purchase a car that was worth PS20,000. This raised fears about a rip-off.
Frank was finally taken by police minibus with two officers on either side to Luton and Central Bedfordshire Hospital mental hospital unit. After six weeks of intensive care, Frank was able to receive community nursing care.
Frank is currently taking medication to manage his illness. Frank, an ex-ring favorite, recently reunited with Mike "Iron", for a documentary. He also posed with Tyson Fury, current Brit world heavyweight title holder, and said that he is close to being at his best.
He will also reveal his fight and how he won it in Frank Bruno: 60 years A Fighter. It will be available next month. Frank also shared how he was shocked when a member of his care team called him recently.
"I received a call late at night from a number that I don't recognize," he said. I answered the call to find out that I could hear people singing and laughing behind me. It was obvious that the person in charge of my aftercare was using his mobile phone to navigate me around the pub.
Frank's spokesperson said last night that the incident is under investigation by the NHS. The worker is employed by a health trust, but they declined to comment.
"Learning to live with it better"
Frank, who had struggled since quitting boxing, was diagnosed in 1998 with bipolar disorder and was first sectioned in 2003.
He was a father of four children and separated from his wife Laura in 2001.
In an effort to help others, his charity The Frank Bruno Foundation will hold a fund-raising party in November.
Frank stated: "It's okay to admit that you need some support. Although I am doing well right now, I realize I cannot get ahead of myself and take things for granted. I will always be affected by my illness. The challenge is to learn how to live with it better.
- To pre-order Frank's book, go to www.frankbruno.co.uk/product/frank-bruno-60-years-fighter-new-2021/
