by Cherry Wilson

cherry.wilson@essnmedia.co.uk

When army engineer Ross Dimmock was prevented from serving in the Iraq war because of a back injury, it triggered a mental illness that forced him to give up his career.

The 29-year-old was so frustrated at being kept away from the front line that it sent him into a downward spiral that led him to be sectioned for a month in hospital.

Ross, of South Croydon, started drinking heavily and felt he was unable to carry on in the army, so left the career he loved to concentrate on his mental health issues.

He has fought a personal war that has lasted more than five years after being diagnosed with bipolar disorder – a mental illness that causes depression and mood swings.

But he has battled his demons to turn his life around and is now dedicating a month to raising money for Mind Croydon, a charity that provides support for people with mental illness.

"I want to help other people with the problems I have had," said Ross.

"I would do anything to help people understand that they can have a normal life.

"When I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder just before I left the army I was in shock and I felt so embarrassed.

"It happens to so many people. But to the person with the problem, it's such a massive deal.

"That's why it's so important to get help and support to understand how to cope."

Ross, who is soon to become a dad, was working with the army's bomb-disposal team when he injured his back climbing a mountain in Kenya in 2003.

It meant he was unable to exercise and, when the Iraq war began, he had to stay behind while his friends were deployed.

When he left the army a year later, he suffered two manic episodes before he received help managing his illness.

Now back to health, Ross has recently qualified as a personal trainer after taking up Muay Thai, a form of boxing that he realised helped him cope with his disorder.

He has signed up to take part in a Muay Thai boxing tournament and will be flying to Thailand on February 26 with the hope of raising £1,000 for Mind Croydon.

"I want to support Mind because it is trying to get people with mental illnesses into fitness, which is what helped me cope with my bipolar disorder," said Ross.

*Anyone wanting to sponsor Ross can make a donation by visiting http://www.justgiving.com/Ross-Dimmock.