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Harrogate man to take on Mixed Martial Arts contest for charity

Wednesday, 8 November 2023 12:00

Jamie Sanchez has opened up about his own mental health issues ahead of an intense Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) contest for charity.

Harrogate man to take on Mixed Martial Arts contest for charity A Harrogate man has opened up about his own mental health issues ahead of an intense Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) contest for charity. Jamie Sanchez has signed up for the MMA challenge that will see him compete in three two-minute rounds. He’s taking on the challenge to fundraise for mental health charity MIND and hopes to spread awareness, having suffered with his own mental health. He said:

“I suffer severely with my mental health with diagnosed disorders. "Whilst I do try and not let this effect my day to day life, I am constantly fighting an internal battle that has led to numerous stints with the crisis team. “I’ve recently gone through my most recent crisis and am now back in recovery with the community mental health team. “Mental health does not just affect me, it affects millions around the world.”

Ahead of his fundraising challenge, Jamie will endure an eight-week training camp with Bad Company gym in Leeds. His campaign has already raised more than £1,300 for MIND. He said:

“I’ve decided to focus my mind on something that will aid in my recovery and hopefully prevent me relapsing whilst also making other lifestyle changes. “You are not your illness. You have an individual story to tell. You have a name, a history, a personality. Staying yourself is part of the battle.”

Jamie’s MMA challenge will be held in April next year at Pryzm nightclub in Leeds. Find Jamie's JustGiving page and contribute to his fundraising campaign here. Read more local stories from Your Harrogate here.

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