UNITED KINGDOM / AGILITYPR.NEWS / September 22, 2020 / Former professional boxer and recovery ambassador James ‘SHINNy’ Davenport is encouraging people to get active to benefit their mental health ahead of National Fitness Day.
With exercise opportunities limited in recent months due to the COVID-19 pandemic, at the same time our mental health has been more challenged than ever, SHINNy wants everyone to experience the mental health benefits of physical activity.
To mark National Fitness Day, which takes place on Wednesday 23 September, SHINNy is relaunching the ANONIMITy PROJECt which puts on free fitness sessions, as well as mindfulness activities such as yoga and meditation, every week for people in recovery.
SHINNy said: ‘The statistics around mental health in this country are scary and I think people underestimate how much exercise can benefit them.
‘Keeping physically active played a huge role in my own recovery, so I want to help as many as people who are fighting their own battles.’
SHINNy, who has also supported the likes of New Order with the band HANKy PARk, has dedicated himself to helping others overcome mental health issues through his social media platform, which reaches up to five million people a month.
Throughout his sport and music career, SHINNy struggled with alcohol and drug addiction as well as bulimia and has made no secret about attempts on his own life during his own battle.
With more than 125,000 followers on his Facebook page, SHINNy and a range of special guests, including TV presenter Jenny Powell and Manuel Benages, founder of Get Fit 4 Mental Wellness, host regular live shows aimed at helping others battle their demons.
About Us
James SHINNy Davenport
James Davenport (aka SHINNy) is a former professional boxer, Rugby-League player, lead singer of HANKy PARK and solo artist. After struggling with addiction he now breaks the stigma attached to recovery and helps thousands of others face their demons on a daily basis.
SHINNy represented Leeds Rhinos and his hometown club Salford Reds. After a career in rugby, he became a professional boxer. In his final bout, SHINNy boxed at the MEN Arena on the undercard of the legendary Joe Calzaghe vs. Jeff Lacy bout. After his retirement from professional sport, he dedicated more time to his band HANKy PARK. They released three albums and supported Manchester legends New Order on four separate occasions. However, during this period, SHINNy was struggling with drink and drug dependency.
SHINNy went into recovery at Smithfield Detox Clinic in Manchester. It was here that he decided to write a song inspired by the times that he had ruined Christmas. He started an online group and used it to promote the single. SHINNy was surprised by the popularity of the group (over 110,000 members). He labelled the broadcasts the SHINNySHOwLIVe. The channel offered a unique insight into a growing operation and had a decent sideline in random acts of silliness. However, there was also a poignant aspect to the material, as he openly talked about his sobriety and recovery from substance abuse. SHINNy went on to complete a training course with Smithfield Detox Clinic to become a mentor.
In 2016, SHINNy released a solo Christmas single Christmas Number 1. The single was supported with a huge campaign endorsed by countless celebrities including Vic Reeves, Jeremy Kyle and Will Mellor. SHINNy performed the single at the MEN Arena as part of KEY 103’s festive show. He opened a bill that also featured Robbie Williams, Busted and The Vamps. Interestingly, he is the only person to appear at the venue as both a musician and boxer.
The video for the Christmas Number 1 was produced by renowned film and TV director Chris Green. It proved to be incredibly popular and featured Bez, Tina Malone, Jody Latham and stars from Hollyoaks. Despite receiving limited airplay, the single peaked at number 24 in the run up to Christmas. Twenty per cent of the proceeds were donated to MacMillan.
SHINNy now uses his online group to host live shows dedicated to recovery, anxiety and depression. Through his social platforms, including Instagram and Facebook stories, he helps thousands face their addiction and supports tens of thousands through his Facebook Live shows. Through these channels he’s breaking the stigma associated with recovery and making #RECOVERyTHENEWCOOL.
Contacts
Gemma Guscott
gemma@niftycomms.comPhone: +44 01905 27126 Mobile: +44 07789 076855
www.niftycomms.com