Beverley Heeley
Beverley's fundraiser for Kelly's Heroes
Fundraising for Kelly's Heroes
Story
ABOUT THE CHARITY
We Mind & Kelly Matters was formed in 2019 after the devastating loss of Kelly Francesca Hewitt, our beautiful daughter, sister and friend. Kelly would be the last person you would think would suffer with her Mental Wellbeing but on 18th December 2018 at just 24 years of age and after a short battle with anxiety and depression she took her own life.
The charity aims to raise much needed funds for mental health projects. Anyone struggling with their Mental Health or affected by suicide can receive help and support.
MY STORY
When I read about Kelly, her story resonated deeply with me. Fighting with yourself to stay alive when death is the only thing that makes any sense is incredibly lonely and painful.
I’m very open about my diagnosis, so people who know me know of my ongoing battles with bipolar and the challenges it brings. Not as many people, however, know that back in 2009, whilst very unwell, I took a massive overdose and nearly lost my life. My fiancé was told by consultants to prepare himself for the worst; that I might not make it. When I regained consciousness in hospital, the enormous weight of shame and guilt I felt towards myself was truly overwhelming. Along with this, the guilt and shame around the pain I’d caused friends and family was equally unbearable. It took a very long time to reframe this.
The lack of knowledge and understanding around suicide, plus the stigma which surrounds it is still prolific. Three of my relatives died by suicide, even after my own attempt, their deaths were never spoken about.
THE CHALLENGE
Last May I was diagnosed with Stage 3 Chronic Kidney Disease and was told by my Nephrologist that although it may have no impact on me progressing to Stage 4, there is a chance that weight loss may help. So, I figured I needed a project whereby I could try to get in shape whilst fundraising for a charity that really resonates.
On Saturday 22nd June I’ll be attempting to swim around Burgh Island in Devon, England. The race is a 1600 metres open water sea swim.
Unless you count lolling on a lilo in Majorca, I’ve never tried open water sea swimming before. In fact, I haven’t done any open water swimming at all. Currently, (as at Dec 2023) on a good day in a swimming pool, I can swim around 20 lengths which is 400 metres so I still have a long way to go!!
I’m incredibly passionate about mental health and the inextricable link between mental and physical health. In 2022 I decided to completely change career and I’m now in my final year of an MSc Counselling Children and Young People to become an Integrative Therapist for Children & Young People.
As I’m updating this, it’s now 15th Feb 2024 and I’ve been out of the water due to ill health. Subsequently I’ve been playing catch up with uni and during training for the swim, I’ll also be in the throes of my 12,000 word dissertation - eek!
Please sponsor me if you can and support this amazing charity :)
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About Suicide…
Bonnie Harmer describes how there is no "typical" suicide victim, there are no "typical" suicidal thoughts and ideations.
People are often mistaken in thinking suicide is something that affects others, until it affects themselves or their family.
>>>If you are worried about someone’s mental health and wellbeing, or have any concerns or worries about their feelings towards suicide, best practice is clear, always ask if they are OK, and be prepared to ask twice, “Are you really OK?”<<<