FIRST-hand experience of mental illness problems has sparked a vicar into tackling a massive challenge.
Silkstone’s Rev Maureen Browell has signed up for the national Three Peaks Challenge in September to raise money for mental health charity, MIND.
She will aim to scale Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon in 24 hours. And with other fundraising events planned, she hopes to raise at least £1,000 for the cause.
Rev Browell, who is vicar of All Saints parish church, said: “My reasons for doing this are simple.
“Having had first hand experience of mental health problems myself and my family, and also often supporting people affected by the mental illness of family members, I realise the massive impact this has on individuals.
“I also realise how difficult it is for people to get help with the NHS.
“The NHS is trying to improve the support it offers but voluntary organisations such as Mind are often the only direct access support available to people in mental health crisis.
“They all depend on voluntary giving and fundraising to enable their vital services.
“I was lucky to be able to access support when I most needed it, but I realise there are huge numbers of people with deteriorating mental health who will rely on organisations like Mind for the help they need.”
First, though, Rev Browell accepts she needs ‘a massive increase in fitness’.
“Although I try to keep fit, walking a few miles a day with my dog, the Mind trek will be something else,” she said.
Training is already under way along with Kathryn Smith and Helen Simms who are also tackling the challenge and who both completed a 40-mile trek for Mind last year.
As well as the trek, they will be fundraising with a live music evening, classical music concert and a ceilidh with a raffle at each.
“Please help me raise as much as possible to help MIND continue offering a lifeline to those suffering from fragile mental health,” said Rev Browell.
You can donate through Virgin Money Giving here.
Anyone able to donate a raffle prize should contact Rev Browell on 492294 or maureenbrowell@sky.com
