London, 11th December 2025 – On Thursday evening, the Bronx Boxing Club in Camberwell hosted a sold-out event that brought together the community, sponsors, and first-time fighters to raise over £13,000 for mental health awareness and suicide prevention across the UK. The event, Check In On a Mate Fight Night, was organized by Check In On a Mate, a mental health and suicide-prevention charity founded by Patrick McLintock and supported by trustee Sebastian White.
The event sold more than 500 tickets and showcased the bravery and solidarity of over 80% of volunteer fighters who stepped into the ring for the first time. The evening was centered around the charity’s mission of awareness, early intervention, and the life-saving power of checking in on one another.
Founded after a tragedy, Check In On a Mate was created by two Old Marlburians, Patrick McLintock and Sebastian White, following the devastating loss of two close friends from Marlborough College to suicide in 2021. The charity aims to tackle the silence and stigma surrounding mental health that often leaves young people vulnerable. It encourages honest conversations and teaches practical tools to recognize warning signs.
The charity now works closely with Marlborough College, delivering talks and preparing long-term workshops aimed at helping young people develop the confidence to support each other before reaching a crisis point.
The event was delivered in collaboration with Bronx Boxing Club, founded by Marnie Swindells, winner of The Apprentice 2023, with Lord Sugar as a director and investor. The club provided the venue, coaching environment, and community platform that made the night possible.
Major sponsors included Sidemen Vodka, Red Bull, and contributions from Sir Tim Rice, who donated The Lion King West End tickets to support the fundraising efforts.
Recently, Check In On a Mate founder, Paddy McClintock, returned to Marlborough College to give a talk on the brand, introducing the concept of mental health awareness and suicide prevention to the entire sixth form. The talk, given at the Memorial Hall to over 400 students, emphasized the importance of checking in on one another in various settings, such as school, university, and work, as we never know who may be struggling. The college has been a strong supporter of CIOAM, recently fundraising through one of their carol services.
All funds raised from the fight night will go towards funding mental health first aid workshops, awareness campaigns, educational initiatives, and community-led events that encourage people to “check in” before reaching a crisis point.
Founder of Check In On a Mate, Paddy McClintock said, “Check In On a Mate began as a simple thought. I just wanted to help people talk more openly about mental health and suicide prevention. I never expected it to grow the way it has. What it has become is a real call to action. It encourages all of us to look after ourselves and the people around us by asking one very honest question. How have we really been?”
He continued, “The informal and friendly style of the CIOAM brand is there for a reason. I want young people to see it, relate to it, and feel comfortable thinking about their own mental health. Sport has been a huge part of that. When people come together to move, to exercise, and to support each other, conversations start to feel more natural. That is where real change happens. Community, connection, and movement all play a role in breaking down the silence that often surrounds mental health.”
Sebastian White, Trustee, said, “Patrick and I met at Marlborough College, where we also shared friendships with the two mates we tragically lost in 2021. Their memories are the driving force behind everything we do. I’ve always admired Patrick for the way he has thrown himself into fundraising over the years, from Ironmans to ultra-marathons, raising tens of thousands of pounds for causes close to his heart. What inspires me most now is that he’s taking full ownership of where the money goes, ensuring it reaches meaningful, impactful projects where he can directly change lives. It’s an honour to support him on this journey.”
He added, “Seeing more than 500 people come together in their honour – to champion openness, connection, and early intervention – was incredibly moving. Thanks to everyone who contributed, the funds raised will help us expand our workshops and bring vital mental health education into more schools, gyms, and community spaces across the UK, ensuring that no young person faces their struggles alone.”
Check In On a Mate is a UK mental health and suicide-prevention charity focused on early intervention through education, sport, and community action. The charity aims to break down stigma by giving people simple, practical tools to check in on each other. Its programs include school workshops, Mental Health First Aid training, awareness campaigns, and sports-based events designed to empower young people to recognize warning signs and support their peers.
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