Boxing legend Glenn McCrory faced homelessness during court case- now he's helping others with St James' Park sleepout

North East boxing legend Glenn McCrory has teamed up with a homelessness charity to brave the cold and sleepout at St James' Park after a court case left him on the brink of losing everything.

The former world champion faced the prospect of losing his home as he faced three sexual assault charges. A jury cleared him of all three counts in 2023.

Work dried up for the 59-year-old, as did his life savings, and it was only thanks to the kindness of his landlord that the North East's first ever boxing champion avoided being made homeless.

“I know what it is like to hit rock bottom as I lost everything,” said Glenn.

“I was in the hands of the crisis team and my weight plummeted to what it was when I was just 19 -there was a point where I had a bag of rice to live on for a week, and I was relying on my gorgeous niece to bring me shopping.

“My landlord was brilliant. I couldn’t afford my nice flat, but he was so supportive and told me to sit tight until I got back on my feet, but everything just fell apart."

Glenn has now teamed up with the charity CEO Sleepout to raise awareness of the plight facing an unprecedented number of families and children in the UK.

“To not know what your future holds, or where your next meal is coming from is absolutely terrifying and not something anyone in 2024 should be going through – but the worst part is that more people are experiencing this than ever before, and from every walk of life,” continued Glenn.

CEO Sleepout stages annual sleepouts for business leaders to raise vital funds to support them. Last year, they raised £1m nationally for homeless causes and is kicking-off the 2024 fundraising drive with an event at Newcastle United's home ground St James' Park on March 21. Glenn plans to take part in the sleepout.

Bianca Robinson, the charity's CEO, said: “Glenn’s story is heartbreaking, but it also acts as a stark reminder that everyone can be just a few steps away from being made homeless.

“For many with good careers and families, the cost-of-living crisis has turned the once unthinkable notion of losing their home into a bleak reality.

“As Glenn said, this simply shouldn’t be happening in this day and age. But it is – and it is happening to people from every walk of life.

“That’s why we are encouraging as many business leaders in the North East to brave the cold at St James’ Park. It is just for one night, but it will hopefully give you a greater appreciation for just how hard life is for thousands of people every single day.”