A LOCAL women is holding a second fundraising event for men’s mental health after raising £5,666 for Wiltshire Mind last year.
Shaw resident Melanie Steel held a fundraising event in October named Operation Gold Dust after two male models she knew from doing charity and bridal catwalks – Jay (Jamie) Hall and Louis Aryton – died by suicide.
Held at the Five Zeros Supercars in Bradford-on-Avon, the event included a dinner, a catwalk show, entertainment and a display of supercars. Once again, she will be raising funds for Wiltshire Mind with a similar event and says she hopes to beat last year’s total and honour her two friends.
“The event this year comprises a three-course dinner, welcome drinks and canapés, a catwalk show, a live band, a raffle, an auction, and, of course, we will be surrounded by super cars too!
“We want to beat our fundraising total from last year’s event. All profits and proceeds go to Wiltshire Mind. We are very careful to keep our costs really low.
“We will also have a justgiving page opened up for those who wish to support us but who cannot attend.
Melanie said that, according to the World Health Organization, men account for 75% of all suicides and researchers estimate that up to 60% of people who die by suicide have major depression.
“By helping a charity fund more resources within mental health care, there is a chance that suicide among men could be reduced over time,” explained Melanie.
The event will take place on Saturday 9th November at 6pm until late; tickets cost £85. For more information or buy tickets, email Melanie via operationgolddust@outlook.com
