Charity boxing match to help raise money for The Matthew Project's new recovery centre in Norwich.
Elizabeth's Story
My name is Liz Sharpe, I'm 32 and served in the Royal Engineers 2003-2009. I completed a tour of Afghanistan, Op Herrick 5, 2006-2007. Since then I have struggled on and off with PTSD, anxiety and alcohol issues.
I reached out to Outside the Wire and they have been amazing even from first contact about 5 years ago. My OTW support worker Justin has helped support me through a lot of life struggles and has continuously been there with weekly meetings and the odd text to check up on me if he hasn't heard from me. He really does encourage you to make positive life changes and is always a good listener to offload your stresses and worries to. Also I've been receiving counselling sessions from Kate. She is a very kind and understanding woman and helps you understand why you are feeling these emotions and anxiety and works with breathing and visualization techniques to try and help cope with this. I would like to thank them both very much for their help.
As they have been such a great support to me, I wanted to give something back and help raise money for a new recovery center they are building in Norwich which will help other Veterans in a similar situation.
I have started boxercise recently which is really good to release stress and frustration and really think it helps with my anxiety. Its also amazing fitness and a great way of meeting new people and making new friends.
There was a Corporate Boxing event that came to light so I thought I would enter as a personal challenge, something to keep me focused and get me fit.
It was difficult to go there initially and I was quite nervous but now I'm there and started training everything feels so much better. Its pushing me out of my comfort zone and I've now transferred energy from apprehensive and unsure to positive and excited!!!
It consists of 12 weeks vigorous training, teaching you all the skills to center the ring, have a novice boxing match and a big show at the end of it. I thought it would be an amazing way to help raise money for the charity who's helping me and raise funds towards a recovery facility that will help other Veterans struggling in the situation!
So here's where the hard work and dedication to training starts. Wish me luck! If this is something that you would like to support, we are selling tickets for fight night and also taking donations.
Many Thanks for your support.