BOXING legend Frank Bruno was a guest at a fundraising event in Skipton, organised by Yorkshire Housing tenant Hayley Carroll and her family.

The former WBC heavyweight world champion was at the Rendezvous Hotel on May 24 to support Hayley who had planned the evening for Samuel’s Rainbow, a local community mental health charity she set up in memory of her brother who took his own life.

The family started Samuel’s Rainbow shortly after his death to raise awareness of mental health issues and encourage people - especially males - to speak out and get help for depression.

Hayley, who was joined by sister Katie and mum Tracey, said: “Frank Bruno has been behind Samuel’s Rainbow right from the start.

“He has always shared our social media posts and sent us a signed boxing glove to be auctioned.

“He’s such a lovely man, is so inspiring, and is always willing to help the campaign in any way he can.

“All proceeds will go to the Upper Wharfedale Fell Rescue, who were so kind and compassionate with our family when Samuel died. So far we have raised almost £3,900; an amazing amount that keeps on rising.

“It was such a great night. I’d like to thank my family, friends and everyone in our local community who helped to make it such a success. And of course Frank Bruno; so polite and he couldn’t have done more to make everyone happy and welcomed in his presence.”

Frank chatted to guests during the evening and posed for photographs, among them members of the Upper Wharfedale Fell Rescue Association which was the evening’s beneficiary.

In September he said he was ‘ducking and diving’ and ‘very happy’ as he celebrated the arrival of a grandchild and marked three years free from medication.

The sportsman has spoken openly about his mental health struggles. He has been sectioned three times under the Mental Health Act since retiring in 1996 after a public struggle with bipolar disorder.

The evening was supported locally through donations including £250 from Skipton Rotary and £100 from Skipton Gala Committee which raises money each year for local good causes.

Keighley company Teconnex match-funded the raffle contributions.

Youtube celebrity Antonella was also among the guests.

Going through a long list of people to thank, Hayley made special mention to Karl Honeyman for supplying all the DJ equipment free of charge and doing the music throughout the night and Luke Pompey and Richard Osadzenko for doing the DJing.