From Beechwood to the boxing ring, fundraiser smashes target to raise £2k
25 February 2026
A dedicated mum, and former Beechwood House resident, has smashed her fundraising goal of £1,000 for CrossReach and The Mental Health Foundation.
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.
Tracy told us that she had spent many years struggling with alcohol before seeking help from CrossReach in 2023.
After spending 14 weeks at Beechwood House, a rehabilitation centre in Inverness, her life began to change.
The support she received marked the beginning of her recovery journey and she is now more than 27 weeks sober.
Tracy said the support at Beechwood "literally saved her life."
Eager to give back to those who helped her, Tracy signed up to take part in an Ultra White Collar Boxing event in Inverness to raise funds for two charities close to her heart.
Setting up a fundraising page with a goal of £1,000 she was not sure she'd even reach her target. Thanks to her hard work and support from followers of her journey, she smashed her target, and raised more than £2,000 to be split between both charities.
Tracy said: "“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.
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.
Tracy said: "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.”
Since the event, Tracy (pictured right with her son) 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.
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
