Swindon North MP to take on pro MMA fighter for charity
Will Stone is supporting the Kelly Foundation in Swindon
A Swindon MP is to step into the ring with a professional MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) fighter on Saturday afternoon to support a local mental health hub.
Swindon North MP Will Stone will be grappling with pro fighter Matt Inman in a Jiu-Jitsu bout.
Labour Party member Mr Stone, who was elected to his seat earlier this year, is a black belt in Brazilian Ju-Jitsu and spent several years in the Armed Forces.
The bout will raise money for the Kelly Foundation.
It's being held at the Polaris 30 event in London.
Will told Greatest Hits Radio that the organisation, whom he met on the campaign trail, inspired him.
"I was so impressed with what they are doing that I want to do everything to do everything in my power to help them expand," he said, adding: "There is a mental health crisis across the UK, it needs so much support, and a lot of that is going to come from the charitable sector.
"It's something that if we don't get right, future generations are going to continue to suffer."
The former infantry member told us he's under no illusions of the challenge that awaits him on Saturday afternoon, describing his opponent as a 'phenomenal grappler'.
He said: "I'm really excited for the match and I think there are certain areas that if I can get into I can win, but I'm not being complacent. I think Matt is a very challenging opponent."
In order to secure victory, Mr Stone will be looking to use a foot lock hold to subdue his opponent, and hopes that his rubber guard technique will also help him get the win.