Kerry Katona says Tyson Fury offered support as she struggled with bipolar illness

Julia Hunt
·Contributor
Updated ·2 min read
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 23: Kerry Katona attends the Balsan and Chapel menswear preview at Neighborhood At The Avenue on November 23, 2017 in Manchester, England. (Photo by carla speight/Getty Images)
Kerry Katona attends the Balsan and Chapel menswear preview at Neighborhood At The Avenue in 2017 in Manchester (Carla Speight/Getty Images)

Kerry Katona has told how Tyson Fury reached out to support her after she admitted she was struggling with her bipolar disorder during lockdown.

The mother-of-five was diagnosed with the mental illness in 2006.

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According to Contact Music, she has been finding things tough during the coronavirus lockdown and sent a message to boxer Fury, who also suffers from bipolar illness.

Tyson Fury, of England, celebrates after defeating Deontay Wilder during a WBC heavyweight championship boxing match Saturday, Feb. 22, 2020, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Isaac Brekken)
Tyson Fury celebrates after defeating Deontay Wilder during a WBC heavyweight championship boxing match in 2020 (AP Photo/Isaac Brekken)

Writing in her New! magazine column, Katona confessed that she had not had a great week, saying: “I was suffering a bit with my bipolar and as a result I've been quite down.

“As I'm sure all mums will know, having the kids at home all the time, doing the schooling, losing a routine, not being able to go out, it does get to you…”

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The former Atomic Kitten said she got in touch with Fury, who she works with at the Frank Bruno Foundation.

He then responded with a message of support.

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She said: “He was so lovely. He sent me a message reminding me how strong I was and that I've got this. It was just what I needed.

''Thank you, Tyson. Sometimes, it's the little gestures of support that mean so much.''

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Fury was diagnosed with bipolar and obsessive compulsive disorder in 2016.

The boxing star and Katona are both ambassadors for the Frank Bruno Foundation.

Photo by: KGC-143/STAR MAX/IPx 2018 9/11/18 Frank Bruno at the 14th Annual BGC Charity Day at BGC Partners in Canary Wharf, London, England, UK.
Frank Bruno at the 14th Annual BGC Charity Day at BGC Partners in Canary Wharf, London, England, UK.

The organisation was started by former boxer Bruno and “exists to provide support and encouragement and the motivation to succeed for those facing and recovering from mental ill-health”.