🥊 Ben Sheldrake: From Struggling to Stronger

One young man. One decision to change. One journey that could inspire many more.

My name is Ben Sheldrake, I’m 22 years old, and boxing has changed my life.

Growing up, I struggled to find my place. I was bullied throughout primary and secondary school and found it difficult to stick at things. I lacked confidence and didn’t feel like I could stand up for myself when things got difficult. I actually tried boxing when I was younger, but like many things at that time, I didn’t stick with it.

Then, in late 2022, at the age of 19, I decided to give boxing another chance. This time, something was different.

I loved it.

I kept going.

And gradually, boxing became about so much more than learning how to fight.

It gave me discipline, confidence, purpose and something positive to focus on. It helped me change the way I looked at myself and, importantly, the way I looked at my future.

Like many people, I have made mistakes in my life. There are things I've done that I regret and feel ashamed of. But I've learned that your past doesn't have to define who you become.

You can make a different choice. For me, boxing became part of that change.

🥊 The commitment behind the journey

Ben's journey isn't simply about stepping into a boxing ring.

He currently trains five to six times every week, travelling to the other side of Ipswich for his training.

That means he is travelling approximately 200 miles every week just to get to and from training.

And alongside all of that commitment, Ben is also holding down a job at CO-OP in Hadleigh, Suffolk. That takes real dedication. He is working, travelling, training and preparing himself physically and mentally for his next challenge.

For someone who has already overcome so much, we believe that commitment deserves recognition and support.

🥊 The next chapter

On 3 October, Ben will step into the ring for his Ipswich title fight. Getting to this point has taken commitment, hard work and determination. But there are also real costs involved in pursuing boxing, from equipment and kit to the significant cost of travelling to training five or six times every week.

That's where we are hoping the local community can get behind him.

❤️ How you can support Ben

The Hadleigh Mental Health and Wellbeing Hub wants to support Ben not simply because he is a young boxer, but because his journey represents something much bigger. Ben's story demonstrates that your circumstances, your mistakes or the difficulties you have experienced don't have to determine your future.

We want to help Ben continue pursuing his goals while sharing his story to encourage other young people who may be struggling.

Funds raised will help towards:

🥊 Boxing kit and equipment

🚗 Travel costs to and from training

🏋️ Training and preparation

🥊 Competition and fight related costs

❤️ Helping Ben continue his positive journey

Every contribution, no matter how small, can make a difference.

And if you can't donate, that's absolutely okay.

Share Ben's story. Encourage him. Come and support him on 3 October. Tell another young person that they can change their story too.

Because sometimes the most important thing we can give somebody isn't money. It's belief.

❤️ Ben's message to other young people

“I've made mistakes and done things I regret, but I've learned that I can change. Boxing helped me become a different person, and I want to help others who are struggling with their mental health to feel better and believe that there is a way forward.”

Ben, your community is behind you.

Keep training.

Keep believing.

Keep moving forward.

3 October. Ipswich title fight.

🥊 Let's get behind Ben and show him what his community can do. ❤️