An Aylesbury man who struggled with severe anxiety and depression has stepped into the boxing ring to raise money for a mental health charity.

Jacob Oborne, 23, who went through periods of manic depression and psychotic episodes, competed in an Ultra White Collar Boxing (UWCB) event in Oxford.

The event gives participants access to the sport for free, with eight weeks free training before they fight in front of hundreds of spectators - while raising money through sponsorship for a charity of their choice.

The funds Mr Oborne raised supported Shout, a charity that offers 24/7 support for individuals battling mental health issues via a text message service.

Jacob Oborne (left) during his fightJacob Oborne (left) during his fight (Image: Ultra Events)

Mr Oborne, who works as an aviation workshop operator in Thame, discovered the charity during his own mental health journey.

He said: "It’s an amazing charity. When I was going through some very rough times I only wish I had known about them sooner - to know I could have picked up my phone, sent a message and had someone there to help.

"They have since been giving me a lot of support."

Mr Oborne, from Stoke Mandeville, was 17 when he started to encounter anxiety and depression.

He said: "I kept it quiet for many years and I honestly didn’t know what it was that I was struggling with until I started to do some research.

Jacob OborneJacob Oborne (Image: Ultra Events)

“I decided that I wanted to do what I could to help others, and I feel that conversation and feeling free and able to talk about things is ultimately what will change and even save lives."

In November 2022, he founded his own business, Matey, which aims to create a community focused on providing support and a safe place for others dealing with mental health issues.

He continued: "I feel like I am in a good place again now. I have a lot of purpose in my life and taking part in UWCB definitely helped me with that.

"It gave me a lot of perspective and helped me to realise that when you put a lot of effort into something positive, you get so much back."

Alongside his brother-in-law, James, Mr Oborne trained at South Moreton Boxing Club in Didcot and raised £2,900 for Shout.

He added: "It was an incredible night. I'm extremely proud of myself for facing my fears and adopting a 'do it anyway' attitude.

"This experience has changed my perspective on fear and how I react to it. It's a day I'll hold close to my heart for many years to come.”