HEAVYWEIGHT boxing legend Frank Bruno will make a guest appearance in Grimsby next month.
The former sportsman will attend the annual meeting of Navigo Health and Social Care – North East Lincolnshire's specialist mental health service – on Wednesday, July 10, at Tukes, in Brighowgate.
Frank, who has bipolar disorder, will attend the annual event to discuss his own experiences of mental health issues including suffering from depression.
In 2003, the star was taken from his home in Essex by medical staff assisted by police officers, under the provisions of the Mental Health Act 1983.
He was taken to hospital in Ilford, where he underwent psychological and psychiatric tests.
Those who will be able to attend the meeting will be notified by invitation.
Kevin Bond, chief executive of Navigo Health and Social Care, said: "We are very excited to have Frank Bruno as the keynote speaker for our meeting this year.
"Frank has a history as a sufferer of serious mental health problems and has had varied experience of mental health services."
Last year Navigo had former GMTV presenter Fiona Phillips as its guest speaker, which coincided with its one year anniversary.
The Daily Mirror columnist spoke of her experiences of Alzheimer's disease after both her parents died as a result of the illness.
To secure another high-profile person to speak at the meeting is something Mr Bond is thrilled with.
He said: "We are looking forward to it immensely after the wonderful conversations previous meeting speakers have begun."
On the day there will also be three free seminars from 10am to noon for guests to take part in.
The first will be hosted by professor Ann Mortimer, who will talk about Trans-cranial magnetic stimulation.
This will be followed by Dr Zaffer Iqbal, speaking about personality disorders, and Janine Smith will discuss memory services.
Mr Bond hopes that Frank's appearance in the afternoon will help to also lift the taboo that surrounds mental health issues across North East Lincolnshire.
"The struggles Frank has gone through have made him an advocate for better mental health care nationally," he said.
"Having such a high-profile beacon of positive mental health as our guest speaker will help reduce stigma towards those affected by mental health conditions.
"It shows that people have things to contribute despite difficulties."
