Former world heavyweight boxing champion Frank Bruno will be fighting to raise awareness about mental illness when he appears at a charity ball near Norwich later this month.

The much-loved boxer, who realised his world title ambition in 1995 when he beat Oliver McCall at Wembley, has faced a long battle against bipolar disorder and was sectioned under the Mental Health Act in 2003. But Bruno, who earlier this year appeared in front of millions of viewers as a guest on Piers Morgan's Life Stories show on ITV1, is coming to terms with his condition – and wants to give others the confidence to do the same.

He will be making an appearance at the Smile Ball held in aid of Norwich Mind, a mental health charity, at the De Vere Dunston Hall Hotel, Ipswich Road, Dunston, on September 22.

The London-born fighter will be answering questions about his sporting life – including his bouts with Mike Tyson – and his life after boxing at the event, which starts at 6pm.

Peter Gianfrancesco, chief executive of Norwich Mind, said he is delighted the sporting legend will be making an appearance at the event. He said: 'I guess the star attraction is Frank Bruno who will be taking and answering questions about his sporting achievements and also about his experience of poor mental health and what he does to stay well.

'People like Frank Bruno and many other celebrities who talk about their experience raise awareness that these sorts of problems can affect anyone and more importantly that it's always possible to recover and get back on track with your life.'

Tickets for the ball are priced at �35, or �300 for a table of 10, and include a meal and drink reception prior to the ball which will feature Mowtown and soul music from Norwich-based singer Dominic Uppiah.

Call Stacey on 07776 303417 or 01603 485222 for more information.

Log onto www.norwichmind.org.uk to find out more about the charity.