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Tracey Howe has been recognised with a prestigious Pride of Scotland Award after raising nearly £70,000 for charity through an extraordinary 5,000-mile walk around the coastline of mainland Britain in memory of her late wife, Angela White.
Tracey, from Glasgow, was named Fundraiser of the Year at the Pride of Scotland Awards, which celebrate individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to communities across the country.
The award recognises Tracey's remarkable commitment to honouring Angela's memory while raising vital funds for five charities that supported the couple during Angela's illness: The Beatson, Marie Curie, brainstrust, Breast Cancer Now and CoppaFeel!. Over the course of a year, she walked the entire coastline of mainland Britain, covering approximately 5,000 miles and inspiring thousands of people with her determination, resilience and compassion.
Along the way, Tracey connected with people from all walks of life, sharing stories, raising awareness and encouraging conversations around grief and loss. She also handed out thousands of crocheted hearts in memory of Angela to people she met throughout her trek. By the end of the challenge, she had raised nearly £70,000 for the five charities.
PICTURED: Tracey with her Pride of Scotland Award.
Tracey Howe, aged 62 from Bearsden, said:
“I am particularly honoured to receive this prestigious award and to be in the company of so many truly deserving recipients. It makes every one of the 1.2 million steps of my 5,000-mile journey around Britain worthwhile, as I raised funds for five incredible charities: Beatson Cancer Charity, Marie Curie, brainstrust, CoppaFeel! and Breast Cancer Now.
“I would like to thank everyone who supported me along the way – from family and friends to complete strangers who showed such kindness, offering meals, shelter and encouragement when I needed it most. I am also deeply grateful to everyone who generously donated and helped make this journey possible.”
Maisie McCormick, Community Fundraising Manager at Beatson Cancer Charity, said:
"Tracey's achievement is nothing short of extraordinary. Her determination, courage and commitment to honouring Angela's memory have inspired people across Scotland and beyond.
"Not only has she completed an incredible physical challenge, but she has also raised a remarkable amount of money for charity and touched countless lives through the conversations she has had along the way. By sharing Angela's story and raising nearly £70,000 for five charities that meant so much to them both, Tracey has created a lasting legacy in Angela's memory. We are absolutely delighted to see her recognised as Fundraiser of the Year at the Pride of Scotland Awards."
Ashley Thomson, Head of Fundraising, Marie Curie Scotland, said :
“It was incredible to see Tracey complete her mammoth fundraising challenge last year and to cheer her on every step of the way. Nominating her for a Pride of Scotland award was our way of saying thank you for the incredible amount she raised. Funds like this are essential to helping Marie Curie provide expert end of life and palliative care to more people across the UK. We’re honoured to be one of the five charities Tracey chose to support and couldn’t think of anyone more deserving of this award.”
Will Jones, CEO at brainstrust, said:
“Incredible fundraising comes from a formidable scale of passion and a desire to make a change for others. Tracey has turned her own devastating loss into a force for change - she has walked thousands of miles, and as a result has enabled charities, like brainstrust, to help thousands of others. She has channelled challenge, courage and compassion to bring everyone she’s on this journey with her. Congratulations Tracey on your award."
Claire Pulford, associate director, relationship fundraising and events at Breast Cancer Now said:
"Tracey's determination, resilience and generosity are truly inspiring. Walking 5,000 miles around the coastline of mainland Britain in memory of her wife Angela is a monumental achievement, and the thousands she has raised will help make a real difference to people affected by breast cancer and other serious illnesses.
"We are incredibly grateful to Tracey and delighted to see her recognised as Fundraiser of the Year at the Pride of Scotland Awards. Her fantastic support and fundraising will help us towards realising our bold vision that by 2050 everyone with breast cancer will live and live well."
