Former WBC World Heavyweight Champion Frank Bruno will be adding his weight to the cause of the Newark Patriotic Fund by hosting An Evening With Frank Bruno, a fund-raising dinner at Newark Showground on May 18.

Former WBC World Heavyweight Champion Frank Bruno will be adding his weight to the cause of the Newark Patriotic Fund at a fund-raising dinner which is one of the local charity's most ambitious events to date.

An Evening With Frank Bruno takes place at Newark Showground on May 18. Event organiser Jayne Mason said the aim was to raise awareness as well as to raise funds: "We decided to run this event to raise awareness on mental health issues, as this is an illness that you can't see, and Frank has suffered with this."

During the evening Frank will be interviewed by comedian and entertainer Jed Stone, who has worked with Frank many times, and questions will cover his boxing career as well as his illness and other topics.

Jayne said that many of the veterans that the charity is helping at the moment and had helped in the past were suffering from PTSD (Post-traumatic Stress Disorder), and although physical injuries also caused suffering, the consequences of physical injury were easier to spot. Getting support for invisible damage was that much harder.

Frank suffered debilitating depression after his retirement from boxing and has twice been sectioned in a mental hospital. He was also back in hospital recently after being struck down by double pneumonia:

"The event was a bit touch and go a few weeks ago," admitted Jayne. "But thankfully he has recovered and is back at work, doing what he does best, helping people in many different walks of life with his shows. It would be good to reassure local people that he is 'fighting fit' and ready to take on Newark!"

There will also be a raffle and an auction on the night with glittering prizes including a signed Frank Bruno boxing belt and a glove signed by Mike Tyson, the man who ended Frank's boxing career after their second encounter in 1995. The glove comes complete with an authentication certificate which Frank will sign on the night in front of the guests.

"And we have a 1966 England shirt signed by the World Cup-winning team including Geoff Hurst, Gordon Banks and Nobby Stiles," said Jayne.

Local singer/songwriter Matt Shepardson will also be on the bill. "I don't want people to think this is just a night about boxing," said Jayne. "It will be a really nice, informal evening - no black tie. There will be something for everyone, and lots of people want to meet Frank. He's such a lovely guy."

One table will be occupied by ten recovering and rehabilitating veterans from the new Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre at Stanford Hall, near Loughborough. Their places have been paid for by local businesses and individuals. Jayne also wanted to thank event sponsors Barcode Warehouse and Honey Legal, as well as Vodafone who have volunteered a team of helpers on the night.

VIP tickets for the evening have already sold out but there is still a good supply of standard tickets which cost £50 and include a two-course dinner and a drink on arrival. They are available from Ann et Vin in Castlegate, Newark, or by calling 07799 664442 or 07401 455584