Boxing legend Frank Bruno helped raise £35,000 by putting his signed gloves up for auction at a fundraiser.

Redbridge Sports Dinner on Thursday, November 10, raised the cash for charity Jewish Care's services in Redbridge.

Mr Bruno, who fought Mike Tyson and Lennox Lewis during his 14 year career, suffers from a mental health illness and campaigns to raise awareness and break down the stigma surrounding it.

He told the 200 guests at the fundraiser: “I want to give people inspiration to talk about how they are feeling.

"There’s a lot of people out there in pain, feeling down, having no energy to do anything at all.

"You need to talk and get it off your shoulders.

“Now everyone knows this can happen to anyone of their family and friends, it could be your mum, your aunt, your brother and it could be you.

“Be brave, people are sympathetic and more understanding about mental health today and there are people and organisations doing brilliant work like Jewish Care, who are there to support you.”

“I’m very pleased to help raise funds for the incredible work that Jewish Care does they are making a real difference by helping people every day.”

The money will go towards Jewish Care busses that take dementia sufferers to The Dennis Centre in Ilford for activities.

The Mitkadem Centre in Gants Hill, Redbridge, which offers support to children with special needs, will also benefit from the cash.

Andrew Klein, chairman of Jewish Care’s sports and entertainment committee, said: “I’d like to thank Frank Bruno who has been so entertaining tonight and also so brave in and out the ring, he has really inspired everyone by talking about mental health so openly.

"We would also like to thank all of our guests for their generous support tonight and our Committee for their hard work which has helped us to raise £35,000 to go towards vital Jewish Care services to support vital local Redbridge community.

“Special thanks goes to Daren Burney of the Burney Group, for sponsoring the event. Every penny makes a huge difference to the lives of those who rely on Jewish Care’s support in our local community.”