Suicide bid Gourock teen battles back to help Man On charity

Inspirational Adam Borland, who is 18, will be taking part in a bout as part of an Ultra White Collar Boxing (UWCB) showcase being held on July 21 to generate funds for the suicide prevention group Man On Inverclyde. 

College student Adam says the team at the charity have been a constant source of support to him since he tried to take his own life in January 2021. 

He now wants to say 'thank-you' to the charity by doing them justice in the ring. 

Adam said: "I am buzzing about doing this to raise money for Man On. They've been there for me for a few years now and I've reaped the benefits of what they provide. 

"I will never be able to give back what they've given me in terms of time and dedication, but this is my way of saying thank-you to them. 

"They are heroes to me."

Former St Columba's High pupil Adam said he had never had to deal with any mental health problems before he began to feel overwhelmed by life when he was just 15. 

He said that not speaking to anyone about how he was feeling led to his situation deteriorating rapidly. 

Adam added: "It was a culmination of everything and it all built up because I had been holding it all in. 

"I didn't know how to process how I was feeling but I didn't want to burden people by talking about it. 

"I was my own worst enemy and was comparing myself to other people. 

"I think the Covid pandemic had a lot to do with it as well. 

"Everyone has their own breaking point and it just all got too much for me. 

"I thought the only way to prevent how I was feeling was to not be here any more."

Adam said a few weeks after his suicide attempt, his mum mentioned Man On to him and drew his attention to their football therapy sessions. 

He says that while he was reluctant to go along at first, stepping through the door of their base in Greenock's Nelson Street and meeting the team was one of the best things he's ever done. 

Adam, who lives with autism, added: "I went along just on the off-chance one day and there was a five-a-side match on. 

"I didn't make it known that I was there because of what happened. 

"Sam Magee welcomed me in and helped me get integrated and involved. 

"I had tried a lot of other services across Inverclyde but they'd never worked for me. 

"Everyone at Man On has their own experience and everything they do is so beneficial for me."

Adam, who is studying social sciences and criminology at West College Scotland, now attends football therapy sessions every Monday evening at Notre Dame High School. 

From this month he will be training in a fight camp with Mark Connor MMA in Glasgow in preparation for his UWCB fight at the Normandy Hotel in Renfrew in July.

The UWCB organisation gives people the opportunity to train for fights while raising money for charities of their choice. 

Adam says he will be nervous on the night of his fight but says he cannot wait to get going with his training regime. 

He added: "I'm champing at the bit to get started. 

"Fight camp will be much more intense that the training I'm doing at the moment. 

"Having a routine and having something to work towards stops me from getting into my own head too much."

Adam has thanked his family, including his parents Iain and Andreana, and his brothers Ryan and Dylan, for all their support. 

He said his experiences have encouraged them to speak openly about mental health and that the love of his family and support from Man On has allowed him to look to the future. 

He said: "I wasn't planning on making it to the age I am now. 

"My ultimate goal now is to be a father and have a family. 

"If I didn't get involved with Man On, my life would have spiralled out of control. They saved me. 

"I know what it's like to hit rock bottom and I wouldn't wish it on anyone.

"I want to thank Man On for their dedication and effort, and let them know that I appreciate every second.

"They're saving lives every day."

To donate visit www.justgiving.com/page/adam-borland