Justine Mason, Mental Health and Wellbeing Programme Leader,
Be inspired by Matthew’s story, from depression and divorce to published author, mental health champion and motivational speaker
Matthew’s Story
Matthew always felt he had a charmed life, until he didn’t anymore. Despite being newly married and having a career in sport that he loved, in 2006 a severe depression knocked him off his feet. He almost didn’t get up.
Upon recovering, Matthew’s life continued along its charmed path as he landed a job in boxing, his lifelong passion. He met and worked with some of the biggest names in British boxing. He became father to two beautiful children. What more could a man want? But it didn’t stop depression from pounding on him some more, and in 2013 he hit the canvas harder than he ever had before.
Again, he got back up, but life wasn’t finished with him yet. In 2014 his marriage collapsed and life as he knew it was turned upside down.
Like his childhood hero Rocky Balboa, Matthew ‘didn’t hear no bell!’ In 2015 he hit back, taking up his pen and writing. He discovered a new passion and a talent that he never knew he had. Writing led to many opportunities culminating in the publication of his first book, the bestselling ‘Something Changed: Stumbling Through Divorce, Dating & Depression’.
Getting up off the canvas and fighting back
Now Matthew is using his experiences to inspire others to overcome their most challenging opponents and have their hands raised in triumph. Taking in Tyson Fury, Louie Spence, Pulp, Steve Jobs, Mark Twain, Glenn Close, a muffin with Anthony Joshua, and a life changing evening at a Travelodge in Tamworth, Matthew’s talks are guaranteed to move, to amuse and to inspire.
A champion for the national Time To Change campaign, Matthew speaks with wit and wisdom to inspire people to find greater purpose and meaning through life’s challenges.
‘The students were completely engrossed. I don’t think I have ever seen them so quiet and listening so intently. Matthew’s story captivated his audience and held their attention throughout. A perfect mix of sincerity, candour and a great sense of humour. I cannot recommend Matthew highly enough, an absolute pleasure.’
Speaking clients
Matthew has spoken for a variety of clients and is comfortable speaking with all audiences, including business leaders, health professionals, students and readers. Satisfied clients include:
- Samaritans (North Region Conference)
- Sheffield Futures
- Quorn
- Wrexham Glyndwr University
- Conyers School
- Marton Library
- Sunderland University
- In The Fast Lane Business Networking
- Public Health South Tees
Media appearances
Matthew’s media appearances include:
- ITV’s Lorraine show (a feature on men’s mental health with Louie Spence, read about it here)
- BBC Radio 5 Live
- BBC Radio London
- BBC Radio Tees
- BBC Radio Oxford
- BBC Radio Wales
- talkRadio – The Late Night Alternative with Iain Lee
- Mothership (video discussion on how divorce affects the children, view here)
- Time to Change Global (video featuring Glenn Close to challenge global mental health stigma)
Book Matthew to speak at your event – please complete the contact form below
Talk – Coldplay