"I lost my Aunty to a mental health illness in January 2022, but her struggles started two years ago. The impact of her death on my family will be long-lasting and I desperately wish to help other families avoid these kind of things. This is what lead me to want to raise money and awareness. I loved my Aunty and she loved helping others, so giving up my day of playing football with mates down the park was such a small sacrifice to do the right thing".

 Jacob Martin, 11.

On Saturday 18th June, Jacob (11, from Rusthall) and his dad Kevin raised over £1000 at the Speldhurst Fete in memory of his Aunty Jo who sadly lost her life in January 2022.

Jacob had spent the week creating a ball game for visitors at the stall to play which proved hugely popular! Jacob, dad Kevin, Uncle Colin and friend Dylan also spent time talking to nearly 200 people about Mental Health Resource and his Aunty Jo's story.

We are so grateful to Jacob and his family for spending so much time on planning and running their stall, and raising such an incredible amount of money to support wellbeing in our community!

Thank you Jacob, Kevin, Colin, Dylan and everyone who supported this wonderful event.

"Losing a loved one is hard, but when you lose that person to mental illness, it leaves behind many feelings of guilt and questions such as,  “what could I have done differently?”. All these emotions are difficult enough for adults, but for young people it’s an endless roundabout of confusion. With support from great community charities like Mental Health Resource there is a way to work through these very difficult time and often lonely times; let’s get more people and their families this vital support". Jacob's Dad, Kevin