Mum of five steps into the ring for Rainbows

A mum of five, who has spent years battling depression has been inspired by her children to take part in an amateur boxing tournament to raise funds for us.

Tracy Neale (41) is one of 40 amateur boxers who will be stepping into the ring at Leicester Arena on Saturday 10 November for Challenge Charity Boxing #3, in aid of Rainbows.

Tracy, of Broughton Astley, has suffered from depression since her teens and also has Type 2 Diabetes. This year, she joined a gym with her husband, Gary, and says working out has given her a new lease of life and has helped her overcome many obstacles. 

“Going to the gym has a massive affect upon my mental health and my mood,” she said. “I get a real buzz and feel much more relaxed when I exercise so the boxing tournament seemed like the perfect challenge. I have a goal and a focus.”

Tracy was inspired to support us by her children – Joshua (19), Thomas (nine), Sophie (eight), Finlay (six), and William (three) – some of whom have additional needs. 

She said: “Joshua and Finlay are both diagnosed with Autism, sensory processing disorders and anxiety, and Finlay also has problems with speech and language delay. Thomas is currently waiting for his official ADHD diagnosis. 

“Finlay attends Dorothy Goodman School, in Hinckley, which is the most amazing school ever. I don’t know what we’d do without them. Josh has just completed an apprenticeship at the café across the road from our home, which has been the making of him.

“Despite the challenges we face, our children don’t have to have operations or chemotherapy. We don’t have to see them in physical pain. I cannot even process what it would be like to know you are going to lose a child. Just heart-breaking, devastating. If what I’m doing is going to make even the slightest bit of difference to any of the Rainbows families, then that’s a good job well done.”

Challenge Charity Boxing #3 organisers Faisal Nathani and Nathan Leverton provided eight weeks of free boxing training at Shootfighters Gym, Leicester. This is the third event in the Challenge Charity Boxing series, which has already raised over £20,000 for us. 

Jess Dixon, Community Fundraiser at Rainbows, added: “We’re thrilled that Tracy and the other participants are so bravely stepping up to fight for Rainbows! We rely so much on the generosity of our community. They are all doing a wonderful thing raising funds to help us run the hospice and be there for all the people who need us. We can’t wait to cheer her on at the event.”

Tickets for Challenge Charity Boxing #3 are now on sale and the event has an optional 1920s theme. To find out more or to buy tickets, visit www.challengecharityboxing.co.uk or follow Challenge Charity Boxing on Facebook.