She is one of the true pioneers of British women’s boxing — an elite athlete, advocate, and therapist who has dedicated her life to empowering others, both in and out of the ring.

In 1998, Cathy became only the second woman in the UK to be granted a professional boxing licence. Over the next decade, she rose to the pinnacle of her sport, claiming English and European titles and achieving a world ranking of number three. Her achievements are all the more remarkable given the entrenched sexism she faced throughout her career: banned from certain gyms, denied opportunities by promoters, overlooked by sponsors, and forced to work full time while competing at the highest level. Cathy’s toughest battles weren’t fought in the ring — they were waged against the system outside it.