A father from Maesteg in Bridgend has fought back against crippling anxiety by stepping into the boxing ring, raising vital funds for a leading men's health charity after a panic attack behind the wheel became his turning point.
From Rock Bottom to the Ring
Anthony Trubridge, a 28-year-old HGV driver, decided to radically transform his life after his mental health deteriorated following the end of his marriage. The situation reached a crisis point earlier this year when he suffered a severe panic attack while driving. "I felt like I had pretty much hit rock bottom. I was a complete shell of myself," Anthony recalled. Determined to ensure this was a low point from which he would rise, he committed to a profound personal change.
His search for a solution led him to Ultra White Collar Boxing (UWCB). After seeing the initiative on Facebook and reading powerful testimonials, he signed up for an eight-week training programme ahead of a showcase bout at the Vale Sport Arena in Cardiff. "I felt boxing could help me to channel my energy, teach me how to improve my health, and ultimately stay accountable to myself," he said.
Building a Community and Confidence
The free, professional training, provided by UWCB at local gyms, proved to be both physically demanding and socially transformative. Anthony trained at Gracie Barra Cardiff under coach Rik Swaine, with additional support from his personal trainer, Briannon. More than just fitness, he found a vital support network. "After months of isolation, I finally felt like I had met a group of people I could open up to," Anthony explained. The shared stories and camaraderie with fellow participants built his confidence and provided a trusted community he had been missing.
He embraced the discipline wholeheartedly, overhauling his diet and committing fully to the rigorous sessions, which he described as "tough, but designed to be inclusive so no one gets left behind." Anthony chose to raise money for Movember, a charity focusing on men's health issues like prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health, and suicide prevention. "They do so much for men's mental health, and I know first-hand how difficult it can be to speak up as a man," he stated.
The Phoenix Rises
On the night of the event, Anthony, nicknamed 'The Phoenix' on his vest—a suggestion from his mother, Mandy—faced his training partner, Tyler. In a closely-matched contest cheered on by his parents and a group of 15 supporters, he eventually lost on points. The symbolism of his chosen name, representing rising from the ashes, was echoed in his walk-out song, 'Rising from the Ashes' by The Reveal Inc.
Anthony far exceeded the £50 fundraising target for participants, raising more than £300 for Movember. Reflecting on his life-changing experience, he urged others to consider it: "For anyone considering signing up, I understand how daunting it can be - but trust me when I say, it is 100 per cent worth it." He was so inspired that he plans to participate again.
The next UWCB event in Cardiff is scheduled for Saturday, March 28, 2026, with training commencing on Monday, February 2, 2026. The initiative, run by Ultra Events, has raised over £41 million for charity nationwide, with more than £500,000 generated in Cardiff alone.
