Armley-based professional boxer, Josh Wisher, has become an ambassador for local mental health charity Leeds Mind.
The charity is announcing the ambassadorship ahead of Mental Health Awareness Week, 13th to 19th May, “the UK’s largest mental health campaign”.
25-year-old Wisher owns and runs The Ministry of Boxing, a boxing club and gym in Armley which he opened in 2022 and is n affiliated to England Boxing, the governing body of the amateur sport. As part of his work, he runs free boxing sessions at local secondary schools, has raised funds for local and national charities, and has participated in local anti-knife crime campaigns.
As an ambassador for Leeds Mind, Wisher will volunteer to promote the charity’s work, especially with the young people he encounters through boxing. His plans include taking on the Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon, raising money for the charity.
The drive to do more charitable work was spurred by the two stabbings in Armley in early 2023 – which resulted in the death of two teenage boys. These tragic events motivated Josh to promote boxing for good, especially with young people, to use boxing to build confidence, self-esteem and resilience.
Mr Wisher said: “Having horrible things like that happen right on your doorstep really makes you reflect. I knew I wanted to work more with young people on how to put their energy to use on something positive and productive, and to be a good role model for them.
“Mental health is a massive factor for young people. It’s something that if left unchecked can get them into difficult situations. Even for kids that have found a bit of direction in life – like committing themselves to boxing – they need to look after their mental health, especially if they start competing.
“I’m really proud to be acting as an ambassador for our local mental health charity, Leeds Mind. They do some fantastic work, and I’m looking forward to helping them achieve their vision of better mental health for all, in helping more young people in the area.”
Gemma Green, Community Fundraiser for Leeds Mind, added: “Josh grew up and went to school in west Leeds, so we’re over the moon that a ‘local lad’ is using his platform as a professional boxer to support better mental health for all.
“Josh is generously using his talents and his business to support young people, and this fits so well with our work, given the increasing need for young people’s mental health support. We have seen this need reflected in our own services, where around 1 in 4 people using our services are now under 25.”
“We’re so grateful for Josh’s support and are really looking forward to seeing what our work together over the next few months brings.”
To keep up with Josh’s volunteer work with the charity, you can visit www.leedsmind.org.uk or find Leeds Mind on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram (@LeedsMind). Josh’s social media handle is @joshuawisherboxing.
You can support Josh’s Marathon fundraising via his JustGiving page.
Sponsored content
Well done to this young man. Its great that he is using his passion and ability to hopefully make a difference to young people in the wider community. His generosity and vision is very impressive.