Jockey George Buckell boxing for mental health charity after depression battle

Apprentice jockey George Buckell is taking part in a charity boxing match in June to raise money and awareness for mental health issues after overcoming his own battle with depression.

The 24-year-old returned to competitive action at Yarmouth this month after a difficult 2018, where he struggled with depression and the death of his cousin.

Buckell, who is raising money for the Frank Bruno Foundation when fighting on June 29 at The Ark in Newmarket, spoke on Monday about his problems with mental health since the beginning of last year.

He said: "At the beginning of 2018 I suffered badly with depression. I stopped race-riding and things went downhill from there. I probably hit the drink a bit too hard and things just kind of spiralled out of control.

"Then just after February time my cousin committed suicide. I was going round in circles but I’m back riding now. I’ve got my head sorted, luckily."

The charity fight will not be Buckell's first time in the ring, but this bout will mean a little more after his own difficulties.

He continued: "I box every year for charity through Eddie Guest’s gym in Newmarket, he puts on shows to raise money for different charities. I wanted to do something a little bit on the side for it this time.

"I only started boxing to keep fit really, but I’ve always watched it and been into it. Tyson Fury’s a big idol of mine now, battling with mental health himself and getting to a place where he is now, and watching someone like that do it has been a big help for me."

Tyson Fury, an ambassador to the Frank Bruno Foundation, has faced his own strugglesCredit: Chris Brunskill

Buckell's first ride on his comeback was on Richard Spencer's Sussudio, and the jockey was full of praise for the trainer standing by him in testing circumstances.

He said: "I’ve only had two rides back but it’s been fantastic, I missed it desperately when I stopped.

"I’m in a bit of a lucky situation. When I was struggling with depression I wasn’t turning in for work when I was with Richard Spencer before. Luckily he stood by me and took me back.

"I went to Dubai for the winter and then came back. He stood by me after a lot of people probably would have sacked me. My agent Phil Shea has also been a big help, taking me on."

Buckell praised Richard Spencer for sticking by himCredit: Edward Whitaker

Buckell's third ride since his return is on Khaan at Southwell on Tuesday evening, on whom he finished third last week for Mick Appleby.

Buckell is not the only young jockey to speak about personal struggles in recent weeks, with Mitch Godwin and Kieran Shoemark opening up in candid interviews.

Like Godwin and Shoemark, Buckell praised racing for being a supportive industry when times are hard.

He added: "When I first came out about it – I think I put something on Instagram after my cousin killed himself – the messages I got from people in racing were amazing.

"There's always people to talk to – it kind of depends on the person you are and the way you have to deal with it. Some people don’t want to go to the doctor, but I was very lucky to have a great family support unit.

"The help is there if you want it."

Click here to support George in raising money for the Frank Bruno Foundation.

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