At Soul Kitchen, we often talk about the power of community, respect, and second chances. For one of our regular volunteers, these aren’t just words — they’re the pillars that rebuilt a life once nearly lost to addiction.
On Saturday 20th July, Colin Leadbeater, one of our regular volunteers, will be stepping into the boxing ring — not for glory, but for a cause close to his heart. He’s taking part in a charity boxing match to raise funds for Soul Kitchen and the people we serve each week at our Saturday Drop-In.
Here’s his story, in his own words:
“I was an alcoholic for many years. In all honesty, I’ve never seen a worse addiction problem than my own. I was unstoppable. The only thing that could stop me drinking into a blackout was running out of money.
Eventually, I became completely cut off from anyone who had a positive influence in my life. Hospital visits were frequent. I’d either wake up alone somewhere out of sight or be scraped off the pavement by paramedics.
The only times I ever felt human — respected and seen — were when I walked through the doors of organisations like Soul Kitchen. Those moments gave me just enough strength and motivation to fight for change.
Today, I’ve been sober for nearly ten years. I’m self-employed as a cleaner, I have a full and meaningful life, and I always want to do more. That’s why I volunteer.
Soul Kitchen doesn’t just feed people. It restores dignity. The people we help are starving — not just for food, but for the basic human respect many take for granted.
No punch I take in that ring will hurt more than the pain of hopelessness I once knew — or the pain still faced daily by those in crisis. Please, if you can, help me support this incredible organisation.”
We’re proud to stand behind this powerful campaign. If you’d like to support his fight for dignity and hope, you can donate here:
https://givestar.io/gs/fighting-for-the-hungry
Together, we can keep fighting—not just in the ring, but for every person who walks through our doors in need of warmth, food, and respect.
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