A Didcot kickboxer has returned home from the World Championships victorious having also raised over £2,000 for two charities close to his heart.

Matthew Grimes competed with 24 others in the England team at the event in Greece last month, with his nation finishing in first place overall.

He achieved one gold and two bronze medals in three respective weight categories.

Mr Grimes said: “To win gold feels fantastic. We had a good, strong team and everyone did really well.

"It was extremely hot over there but a great experience, especially competing against some very technical fighters from all over the world.”

He set out to the World Championships with the additional intention of helping boost awareness of mental health struggles, striving to raise as much as he could to help charities Oxfordshire Mind and Child Autism UK. 

Friends, family and supporters donated to a fundraising page he set up in aid of both causes.

He raised a total of £2,350, donating £1,175 to each charity.

He visited Oxfordshire Mind in Abingdon this week to pass over the cheque where staff and volunteers passed on their thanks and congratulations, also issuing him with a certificate to commemorate his achievement.

He will be visiting Child Autism UK to hand over a cheque next Wednesday (October 25).

Mr Grimes first started kickboxing in 2018 after he was diagnosed with arthritis, which in turn affected his mental health.

Initially setting out to achieve a black belt, he has since competed in a multitude of competitions, including the British Championships in 2021, National Championships in 2022 and the English, European and now the World Championships this year, winning nine gold, seven silver and four bronze medals across all competitions.

Championships this year, the British, English and National Kickboxing Championships in 2021 and the European World Championships 2023, with a host of gold and silver medals to his name. 

Crediting kickboxing for how much it has subsequently helped following his initial diagnosis, Mr Grimes is continuing to train up to three times a week and now wishes to focus on assisting others by creating a special kickboxing session to help men who may also be facing mental health struggles.

Mr Grimes said: “I’m more than happy with everything I’ve achieved along the way from competing in competitions.

"Now I want to turn my attention to helping others.

"There aren’t many men’s only classes and where I train, they’re open to the idea of doing a free session to help those struggling with their mental health.

"That’s the plan for now and I’m looking to get this rolling within the next few months.”

Mr Grimes trains at Vale Kickboxing in Wantage and thanked his instructor Carl Davis for his support, encouragement and use of the facilities.

He also thanked local businesses who sponsored him to help cover the costs of competing in the World Championships.