Felixstowe MBE Psychotherapist and RAF Veteran Triumphs in Charity Boxing Challenge
George Downey, a 44-year-old psychotherapist from Felixstowe and former RAF veteran, has successfully completed his latest charity endeavour by stepping into the boxing ring. Awarded an MBE in 2024 for his dedicated services to mental health, George combined his personal mission with athletic grit to raise funds and awareness.
A Personal Journey Fueled by Tragedy
George's commitment to mental health stems from profound personal loss. He has tragically lost multiple family members to suicide, including his grandfather at 40, uncle at 46, father at 46, and most recently, his brother Pat at 25 in 2020. This series of events reshaped his life's purpose.
"Losing Pat inspired me to train and qualify as a psychotherapist," George explained. "For five years, I attended night school while continuing as head of development at the RAF School of Leadership, where I introduced wellbeing-first approaches."
From Fundraising Feats to the Boxing Ring
In response to his brother's passing, George embarked on numerous fundraising challenges, including parachute jumps, wing walks, marathons, and a gruelling 350-mile walk from Glasgow to St Neots with his wife Cindy. Over the past decade, he has raised over £50,000 for mental health charities.
His latest venture saw him participate in an Ultra White Collar Boxing (UWCB) event at Ipswich Trinity Park Events Centre. With no prior boxing experience, George was motivated by his 14-year-old son Caleb's interest in the sport and the supportive camaraderie reminiscent of his RAF days.
Training and Triumph Against the Odds
George underwent eight weeks of free professional training at Ipswich Boxing Club under coach Tom Kerry. Despite being the oldest in his group, he embraced the rigorous sessions. On fight night, he faced Tom Stone, 34, a training partner he had bonded with.
Walking to the ring to The Bonny by Gerry Cinnamon—a song he shared with his brother—George felt nerves but pushed through with encouragement from fellow competitors. He won by stoppage in the second round, overcoming a shaky start by focusing on his training and family memories.
"I roared back and 30 seconds later, the match was stopped, and I was declared the winner," George recounted. "That was something else."
Community Support and Future Opportunities
The event drew support from 12 family and friends traveling from as far as Liverpool and Edinburgh, along with sponsors Circable Ltd, Integra Wellbeing and Performance, and Base Support Therapy. George raised £1,400 for MIND and the Mental Health Foundation, surpassing the £50 minimum target.
Ultra Events, the organisation behind UWCB, has raised an impressive £43.5 million for charity overall. The next Ipswich event is scheduled for November 14, 2026, with training starting on September 21, offering others a chance to engage in similar impactful challenges.
George Downey MBE continues his work as a psychotherapist, specialising in suicide support, neurodiversity, and the armed forces community, turning personal adversity into a beacon of hope for many.
