Frank Bruno was a knockout guest at a Redbridge sports dinner which raised more than £35,000 for local Jewish Care services.
The former world heavyweight champion autographed boxing gloves for auction and answered questions from the 200 guests at the Prince Regent Hotel. Having become a mental health campaigner after experiencing his own mental health issues following his retirement from the ring, he urged others with problems to seek help.
"I want to give people inspiration to talk about how they are feeling," Bruno said.
"There's a lot of people out there in pain, feeling down, having no energy to do anything at all. You need to talk and get it off your shoulders.
"Now everyone knows this can happen to any one of their family and friends. Be brave. People are sympathetic and more understanding about mental health today and there are people and organisations doing brilliant work, like Jewish Care, who are there to support you."
Speaking about his boxing career, where opponents included Mike Tyson and Lennox Lewis, Bruno said: "I just tried to be professional and give it my all, like you would if you're doing any job."
Services that will benefit from the dinner proceeds include transportation for dementia sufferers, support for special needs children, and the Mike leadership training programme for teenagers.
