Celebrating the amazing people who make a difference for CrossReach
Every day, people across Scotland step up to raise vital funds for CrossReach’s life-changing work. From sponsored walks to bake sales, from daring skydives to community coffee mornings and spreading the word of our work, each fundraiser plays a vital role in helping us care for people of all ages facing challenging times.
This page is where we shine a light on your creativity, generosity, and dedication. It’s our way of saying thank you and inspiring others to join in.
Fundraiser of the Month
Each month, we feature one outstanding fundraiser or fundraising team whose efforts have gone above and beyond for CrossReach.
Tracy
From Beechwood to the Boxing Ring
Almost three years ago, Tracy could never have imagined she would be stepping into a boxing ring - sober, fundraising, and sharing her story so publicly. After spending 14 weeks at Beechwood rehabilitation centre in Inverness, her life began to change. The support she received there marked the beginning of her recovery journey and, in her own words, “literally saved my life.”
At 27 months sober, Tracy signed up to take part in an Ultra White Collar Boxing event in Inverness to raise funds for CrossReach and Mental Health Foundation - two organisations close to her heart.
"Recovery isn’t easy. Addiction and mental health go hand in hand. If you’d told me 27 months ago that I’d be stepping into a boxing ring, sober and raising money for charity, I’d never have believed you. But here I am - and I wouldn’t be here without the support I received."
TracyReflecting on the experience, Tracy shares:
“Training was tough, and about halfway through my mental health really took a hit. I checked out emotionally and, if I’m honest, I hoped the whole thing might somehow go away. But because so many people had sponsored me, chickening out wasn’t an option. I had to go back and do what I’d committed to, even though it wasn’t easy.”
On the day of the fight, the challenge intensified. With an odd number of participants, Tracy faced a stand-in opponent with previous experience - someone she met only moments before entering the ring.
“She was like a machine. I, on the other hand, was not. But I stayed on my feet, I didn’t bleed, and I made it to the end of all three rounds - and that felt like a victory in itself.”
Not only did Tracy complete the fight, she surpassed her fundraising target, raising over £2,000 to support others facing mental health challenges and addiction.
What inspires Tracy?
For Tracy, this was never just about boxing. It was about commitment, resilience, and giving back. Having experienced firsthand how life-changing the right support can be, she wanted to make sure others have access to that same second chance.
“The most important part of this whole experience is knowing that the money raised will go towards supporting people through CrossReach - people who may be struggling with mental health, addiction, or difficult life circumstances, just as I have. If this fundraising helps even one person feel less alone or gives them the courage to take that first step, then every hard moment was worth it.”
Since the event, Tracy continues to move forward with purpose; interviewing for a role with Scottish Drugs Forum and volunteering locally in Inverness to support others who may be struggling.
Her words sum it up beautifully:
“I will never do anything like this again - but I will always be grateful that I did it once. Thank you again for giving me the opportunity to share this story, and for the work CrossReach does every single day.”
We are incredibly proud of and grateful to Tracy for her courage, honesty and determination. By stepping into the ring, she has helped ensure that others can access the same life-changing support that helped her rebuild her own.
Want to be Featured?
If you’ve been fundraising for CrossReach, we’d love to hear your story. Whether you’ve raised £5 or £5,000, your efforts make a real difference and your journey could inspire someone else to take part.
Send us your story and photos: events@crossreach.org.uk
