Former world heavyweight champion Frank Bruno MBE has been honoured with the Freedom of the City of London, following his powerful revelations about his personal battles with mental illness. The 64-year-old sports icon received the prestigious civic award during a ceremony at Mansion House on Thursday.
A Champion's Candid Confession
Last month, Bruno gave a remarkably open interview detailing his severe mental health challenges. He revealed he was sectioned under the Mental Health Act in the early 2000s after suffering from depression, and was later diagnosed with bipolar disorder. The former boxer was sectioned again in 2012.
Bruno described September 2003 as the darkest period of his life. Having retired from the sport that defined him, he faced the breakdown of his marriage, his children moving out, and the tragic suicide of his beloved trainer, George Francis. His behaviour grew erratic, frightening his family, who ultimately made the difficult decision to have him sectioned.
"It was the worst day of my life," Bruno recalled of the incident, which saw ambulances and police cars arrive at his home, with reporters and helicopters capturing the scene. "It was very, very embarrassing."
The Fight for His Own Mind
Bruno was taken to Goodmayes Hospital in Ilford, Essex, an experience he described as horrific. He claimed the environment was "weird and horrible" and that staff treated patients poorly, deliberately trying to distress them. He likened his room to a prison cell, with minimal comforts and constant supervision.
Upon his discharge three weeks later, a new struggle began. Bruno was sent home heavily medicated and felt largely unsupported. Medical professionals wanted him to remain on a cocktail of medication for life, but Bruno resisted. "I had to fight it... That's not quality of life," he stated.
His recovery became a personal mission. He underwent regular psychiatric evaluations, demonstrated stable sleep patterns, and stayed physically active under the watch of his GP and family. He describes this period as "fighting for my own mind back."
Physical Fitness as a Path to Wellness
Bruno ultimately rejected a solely medical path to rehabilitation. He returned to the discipline he knew best: the gym. He credits a rigorous fitness regime with restoring his mental wellbeing.
"I am training twice a day even now," Bruno explained. His routine includes boxing, weight circuits, daily running—sometimes starting as early as 3 am—and using steam rooms and saunas. "I just look after myself. I invest in my happiness," he said.
This personal victory led him to establish the Frank Bruno Foundation, which provides support to others experiencing mental illness.
The Freedom of the City of London award adds to a long list of accolades for the sports personality. Bruno was voted BBC Sports Personality of the Year in both 1989 and 1990, the same year he was made an MBE. He secured the World Boxing Council heavyweight title in 1995, cementing his legacy in British sporting history.
At Thursday's ceremony, a smartly dressed Bruno, wearing a black suit and spotted tie, proudly punched the air for cameras while holding his latest honour—a symbol of his resilience both inside and outside the ring.
