community zone Kelly’s heroes ride under new name

ANorthamptonshire-based mental health charity is starting a new chapter by unveiling a new name.

Launched in 2019, We Mind & Kelly Matters was set-up just weeks after the death of Kelly Hewitt, who tragically ended her life aged just 24.

The charity is run by Kelly’s family in her memory and aims to break down the myths and stigma which surrounds mental health, offering training, services and hope to people across Northamptonshire.

Over the years, with tremendous support from its many fundraisers and donors, who have taken part in events including The Loneliest Road Cycle Tour across Europe, New York and San Francisco, the charity has continued to grow and will now be named Kelly’s Heroes as it looks to take the next step towards its vision.

John Hewitt, Kelly’s dad, and co-founder of the charity explained: “The renaming marks an exciting new chapter for the charity.

“Having organised the Kelly’s Heroes cycle rides, I’ve trained and ridden with those heroes and the charity evolved, developing expertise,

Free family support sessions on offer

Families who provide care and support for an ageing relative or friend can now access free support and advice through regular Key to Care sessions. Hosted by care home company, Home Instead Northants, the sessions offer support to those who need help and advice on the key topics which affect older people including guidance on how to navigate the care system and advice on dementia and Parkinson’s Disease. There will also be important information about how to avoid scams and how to protect loved ones. The sessions will initially be run in Wellingborough and Rushden.

Lucy Darnell of Home Instead East Northants said: “It is estimated that elderly people are losing more than a million pounds a day due to the rise in online scams which is a really worrying statistic.

“We are grate ful to Northamptonshire Police for partnering with us for this information event.

“We are really excited to be launching the new Key to Care sessions. We really hope they will provide invaluable to the local community.”

Call: 01933 678775

Email: marie.franks@ homeinstead-eastnorthants.co.uk and forming its own identity, growing from a foundation of pure grief to a place of hope.

“We will always want Kelly’s name to be remembered and we think the new name is a fitting tribute to her memory and the tireless work put in by our staff and supporters over the last four years.”

CEO, Sherry Adams said: “The charity was founded around two purposes, to raise much needed funding, and to enable people in need to get support when they need it.

“The two are coming together under one name.

“Through changing to solely Kelly’s Heroes, it better reflects the ethos of all that we do, and that everyone who either works for the charity, fundraises for the charity, or bravely reaches out for support, they are all Kelly’s Heroes.”

For more information about the charity and the services it offers, visit www.wemindandkellymatters.org.uk

Harry’s Rainbow abseil challenge is coming to Northampton in September

Scale new heights for charity

Northampton’s iconic National Lift Tower will be the venue for a special event being held in September to raise money for children’s charity, Harry’s Rainbow.

On 16 September, thrill seekers will be given the chance to abseil down the famous lift tower while raising money for Harry’s Rainbow, a Milton Keynes-based charity which is dedicated to providing a brighter future for bereaved children.

The Abseil Challenge is the ultimate test of courage and a great way for colleagues to unite behind a fantastic local cause.

Carrie Li, events fundraising manager, said: “The Abseil Challenge is more than just a test of courage - it’s a chance for colleagues and teams to come together and work towards a common goal.”

Each person taking part will be asked to raise £250 which will go towards the cost of create memory boxes for bereaved children, setting up support groups and organising trips.

For more information or to sign up contact carrie.li@harrysrainbow.co.uk or visit www.harrysrainbow.co.uk/event