Knockout fundraising: 19-year-old Tish takes to the boxing ring for fostering families
Letitia recently raised over £400 for The Fostering Network by taking part in a charity boxing match. She explains why making sure children and young people have a place they can feel safe is something worth fighting for.
Nineteen year-old Letitia (Tish) bravely stepped into the ring in March to battle her way through a gruelling three rounds of Ultra White Collar Boxing.
With no prior experience, Tish’s journey to the ring began in early February, with an intense period of training in order to become match ready.
“It’s been a tough four weeks with lots of hard work and a few minor hiccups along the way”, explained Tish.
“But I've loved every minute of the journey and the support I've been shown has been unbelievable.”
Tish became looked after at the age of seven. Raising money to help ensure every child has an environment where they can be themselves and feel safe, is something Tish is passionate about.
“After being removed from my family home at such a young age, I wasn’t sure what the future held for me or where I was going to end up” reflects Tish.
Fortunately, Tish soon settled with her foster parents Marian and Steve, who she credits with raising her as one of their own, providing her with an upbringing that every child should experience.
“If it wasn’t for charities like The Fostering Network, who provided my foster family with support whilst being foster carers, I wouldn’t have been given the childhood of a lifetime. I’ve had opportunities and experiences that I never even knew existed and had
dreams I didn’t even know about come true.”
“From the moment I stepped foot into what was going to be my new home, the support I was given from the people I now call family was like no other, it was like being given a second chance at life”, she explains.
“Little seven year-old Tish went from being a neglected, anxious child to the 19-year-old Tish who is someone to be proud of.”
We couldn’t agree more and we are really grateful to Tish and all our amazing fundraisers!
If you’d like to join Tish in raising money for The Fostering Network, check our website for ideas to help you get started thefosteringnetwork.org.uk/fundraise
