THREE years on from being brutally attacked and losing control of his life and home, Chippenham man Jamie Cross has set up a record label to not only help unsigned artists, but those suffering with post traumatic stress disorder, like himself.

The 30-year-old, who lives in Ryan Avenue, picked himself up after the unprovoked attack in Trowbridge in 2015, and channelled his emotions into boxing, thanks to the Emeralds Boxing Club.

However, after sustaining broken ribs in his last fight, Mr Cross was left without something to focus on and began to brainstorm about a record label to help local talent, which would also be able to fund people suffering with PTSD to pick up a new sport or activity.

“My life has completely turned around,” he said. “I have a wife and a house by the stream, which always reminds me of when I was homeless and living by a river.

“After my last fight, I found I needed to channel my energy somewhere else and I began thinking about the music industry.

“I used to be in a band years ago and the events are rubbish.

“I came up with the idea for Wastepool, which will help the best scouted unsigned talent play in nationwide competitions that are of high quality and will have one paid established artist.

“The idea is that we then finish that with a stadium event.

“Through profit funding, I also want to help sponsor individuals who are carrying trauma or injured and help them to lead enriched, enjoyable lives through sport or music.

“Their stories will be featured on social media using the hashtag #NotDoneYet.”

The 30-year-old, has entered Wastepool into Virgin’s Voom competition, which will allow the top 40 businesses to pitch their idea to billionaire Richard Branson himself.

In the meantime, Mr Cross has also fielded several offers of investment for the label, which has caught worldwide attention.

“I’ve already been approached by two investors but the less of the business I give away, the more I have to help people going through what I went through.

“I was lucky to have got help, but not everyone is as lucky. I think a lot of people would be surprised to hear how little help there actually is out there.

“In retrospect, things aren’t good enough and I want to do something to bridge that gap.

“You don’t just need specialised care, you need someone to talk to and something to focus on, and that’s why I’m doing this.”

To vote visit https://voom.virginmediabusiness.co.uk/pitches/wastepool-initiative.