Ex-world champion hopes song will help save lives
Ex-world champion hopes song will help save lives
Stephen BrownSat, August 15, 2026 at 10:12 AM UTC
0
Andre Daltrey is aiming to use music to encourage people to start conversations about mental health
A former world kickboxing champion has released a charity single to shine a spotlight on suicide prevention.
Andre Daltrey, a mental health campaigner and gym owner from Haslemere in Surrey, said his song, Lightning Eyes, available on streaming platforms, explores the feelings he experienced at the lowest point in his life.
He said it also addresses the "blame and shame" he felt at the time, while giving hope to others who might be struggling.
Daltrey, who has managed A.R.D Training Camp in Aldershot for more than 30 years, told Radio Surrey he had found a lifeline in kickboxing, which transformed his future.
Andre Daltrey (second left) with fellow coaches Steve Fox, Tom Martin, Philip Ashdown and Tyler White at the boxing gym
"It gave me a purpose and structure," he said.
"I felt this elation after every session. I felt like I had accomplished something each time I left the gym."
He then began working with his coach, Steve Fox, who became his role model.
Advertisement
Daltry said initially he was "not naturally gifted" at the sport, but he persevered and used it to improve his mental health.
He went on to win numerous titles, including the British and European championships, before becoming World Kickboxing Champion in 2000.
Daltry said performing his song was not about becoming a recording artist.
He hopes it will inspire others to talk about their mental health and aims to donate funds to charities such as Mind.
"It is to start conversations about suicide prevention and help people understand what it can feel like to reach rock bottom," he said.
"You can't reach the masses some people can reach, but it felt great that I could help that one person."
If you have been affected by any of the issues in this story, help and support is available at BBC Action Line.
Follow BBC Surrey on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram and listen to BBC Radio Surrey on Sounds. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.
-
NHS opens boxing gym for mental health
'Working out in the park changed my life'
Source: “AOL Entertainment”
