Local fundraiser raises nearly £20,000 for mental health charity

A local woman has raised nearly £20,000 for Wiltshire Mind with her third annual event to highlight men’s mental health.

Melanie Steele has run fundraising events called ‘Operation Gold Dust’ for the last three years, following the deaths by suicide of two male models she knew from bridal catwalks.

Wiltshire Mind supports the mental health and wellbeing of anyone in the community and has helped bring attention to men’s mental health.

“Suicide is a difficult, sensitive subject but I wanted to raise awareness of the need for more funding for mental health services, especially for men,” said Melanie, a Shaw resident who is a self-employed reflexologist.

“We had two of our male catwalk models take their own lives over a space of a couple of years. They were both wonderful, beautiful men who appeared to have everything to live for. I hope that by talking about it, we can bring help closer to men and women and ensure funding is available when it is needed.”

As an ambassador for Wiltshire Mind, Melanie said her role allows her to challenge the stigma around men’s mental health.

“Raising funds for charities is becoming increasingly difficult, so community support is more important than ever,” she said.

Her recent event on Saturday 21st November was a sold-out evening at Cumberwell Park, Bradford-on-Avon, featuring a dinner, catwalk and entertainment. Nearly £7,000 was raised from the event.

“With the current climate, I am chuffed to almost match last year at this stage,” she said. “Cumberwell have been fantastic. Becky, Ali, Rhys and the team were superbly organised and allowed Operation Gold Dust to focus on putting on the show.

“As always, Upfront and Casual were our amazing male vocal harmony group and received glowing feedback from guests and staff. We have next year’s event in the diary for 7th November 2026 and hope to raise even more much-needed funds for Wiltshire Mind.

“Having attended the recent Annual General Meeting of Wiltshire Mind as an ambassador, I now have even more insight into the valuable work they do and how much these extra funds are needed.”

To support Melanie’s fundraising efforts, visit https://shorturl.at/gQ8BG