“As a family, we know how much better Louie’s life can be when he is given consistent treatment, and I want more children in remote areas like ours to access the life-changing support they need, but often cannot receive.”
Caitlin and Louie(Image: Supplied)
A Scots beautician has raised around £10,000 for a charity which aims to improves the lives of children with additional needs after being inspired to step foot into the boxing ring.
Caitlin Fraser, 29, took part in an Ultra White Collar Boxing (UWCB) event at the Macdonald Aviemore Resort in March, raising an astonishing £10,000 for Dream Believe Achieve Highland. The charity provides provides grants for children with disabilities and additional needs based in the Highlands and improves access to specialised therapies that cannot be funded by the NHS.
The dance teacher from Inverness, whose huge figure raised is one of the highest in UWCB history, decided to come out fighting after being inspired by her nephew, Louie, 4, who lives with cerebral palsy. Caitlin spoke about making a difference in the lives of children in her community living with additional needs.
Caitlin boxed for vulnerable kids(Image: Supplied)
She said: “My nephew Louie is my biggest motivation in life. He was born prematurely at just 27 weeks old, and has struggled with cerebral palsy ever since.
“Dream Believe Achieve Highland is a truly amazing charity that helps children like Louie get access to private treatments, like physiotherapy, that the NHS don’t have the capacity to provide him on a regular basis.
“As a family, we know how much better Louie’s life can be when he is given consistent treatment, and I want more children in remote areas like ours to access the life-changing support they need, but often cannot receive. I am passionate about helping rewrite this narrative.”
Little Louie has cerebral palsy(Image: Supplied)
Participants like Caitlin are given the opportunity to take part in eight weeks of free professional boxing training at gyms, before a showcase event in front of hundreds or thousands of spectators. She trained at Highland Martial Arts Centre (HMAC) under the guidance of respected coach Ross Houston.
Talking about the preparation, Caitlin said: “The coaches were incredible, always pushing me to do my best, and I met some amazing girls who I am proud to now call my friends.
“Yes, the training was very intense and definitely one of the hardest things I have ever done, but this is exactly why I signed up.
Caitlin won her bout(Image: Supplied)
“I wanted to show Louie that no matter how tough things get, you can keep going, stay strong and achieve something you’re proud of.”
Caitlin won against Amber Mackay, 27, in a closely-contested match. She was also awarded top fundraiser on the night, for her efforts raising £9,400 in total.
Talking of her experience on the night, she added: “I was nervous, but the atmosphere gave me a real buzz.
“I had loads of people supporting me too, which definitely motivated me to keep my head in the game.
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“I still cannot believe I was awarded the top fundraiser, this means so much more to me than winning the bout – I honestly couldn’t be prouder!”
When asked what he would say to anyone thinking about signing up, Caitlin said: “Just go for it. Every early morning, every tough training session, and every duck in the ring is life changing.
“I’ve come out feeling physically stronger, but also more confident and proud of what I can achieve. You will not regret it!”
To sign up, visit their website here.
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