Fundraiser: Tiny change maker, Neil

This month we’d like to shine a spotlight on tiny change maker Neil Goodbrand. Neil has been a long-time supporter of Tiny Changes and was involved in the team that organised Scott’s Bench, which now sits in Glasgow’s Kelvingrove Park and is visited by Frightened Rabbit fans or anyone looking for a moment of peace and quiet from the rush of the city.

Neil himself is a structural engineer, and last weekend he competed in his first ever charity boxing match up in Aberdeen and has raised over £1300 for Tiny Changes in the process – thank you so much Neil! To read a bit more about Neil and his fundraiser, we grabbed him for a quick chat as he recovered from the big night…

Can you tell us about your fundraiser and how it came to be? When did you get into boxing?

At the tail-end of last year I decided that, for mental health and fitness reasons, I wanted something to work towards as part of a group. I intend on running a marathon this year, so I thought this would be a great start, and also a fantastic opportunity to raise money for a worthy cause. I have never been a fighter and, in all truth, other than watching boxing with my friends at the pub this is the beginning of my ‘boxing journey’. One thing I do know is that while these 4:30am wake up’s have been extremely beneficial to my fitness and wellbeing, I cannot WAIT to have a long lie in!

You were involved in Scott’s Bench project. Can you tell us a little about that journey?

Within a Facebook Group called ‘Frightened Rabbit Recognition’, there were mumblings of a fundraiser for Scott. I reached out to a fantastic man named Ade Cartwright, who agreed that since I was ‘tech-savvy’ I’d be behind the social media fundraising aspect. He was the real brains and organisation behind the entire thing, I just spread awareness to the public and press. The goal of £1500 was smashed within 24 hours, and we amassed over £8000 in Scott’s memory. As a result of this, I had the pleasure of personally talking to Grant, Scott’s brother, and at a young age that was extremely influential to the person I am today. 

What does the bench mean to you now, a few years on?

Although I live in the North East, I always try to visit the bench when I am down that way. The first time was an array of emotions, but peace and pride were overwhelming. It is simply beautiful to watch the raw good in humans who are united to a cause. Even though the bench is situated within a bustling park, it is somewhat silent, and beautiful. The bench is – as noted on its plaque – a reminder that where we’ve still got hope, we’ll be fine.

Congratulations on getting through your big night! How are you feeling now?

It was a fantastic night, the adrenaline is something spectacular. Although I didn’t win, I tried my best and that’s all I can ask of myself. The recovery has been fine, just a bit stiff and sore – as expected when being punched in the face!