Mum-of-two’s 12-month fundraising campaign to raise £5k for mental health charity

Ten years ago, in July 2011, a then-23-year-old Beth Ballam received news which “absolutely broke” her.

Beth, from Risca, was told her father had died from a “catastrophic” brain aneurysm.

“That’s the word I remember the doctor using – ‘catastrophic’. It absolutely broke me,” she said.

“I was such a Daddy’s girl, and still am. I genuinely wonder how I have survived the last ten years without him.”

Recalling her experiences, mother-of-two Beth, who is now 33, has decided to raise money for others who are going through tough times.

She will be holding a series of fundraising events and challenges over the next year, with the aim of raising £5,000 for mental health support charity Mind.

So far, Beth has raised more than £600.

“I have been lucky enough to have had amazing support from friends and family to help me through this challenging time, but not everyone is lucky enough to have a support network”, Beth said.

“It’s in times like these where services like Mind are invaluable in helping those affected by grief, loneliness, depression and more overcome their challenges.”

Beth started fundraising in March this year, and is setting out to complete a different challenge each month until March next year.

So far, Beth has completed a virtual 10k race, squatted 3,295 times throughout April and ran the Chepstow Racecourse Virtual 10k in May.

In June this year, Beth set herself the target of running 100km over the course of the month. Despite coming down with sinusitis half way through, she was able to hit her target with a day to spare.

Next month, Beth will host a raffle, with a quiz night the following month. The quiz night will be held at the Darran pub in Risca, where she works.

Then, in October, Beth will take part in the Cardiff Half Marathon.

Other challenges and events are set to be confirmed in the near future.

Beth thanked her family, friends and work colleagues for their support, in particular her husband Neil, who she’s “dragged out” running with her.

Beth’s final challenge will take place next March, where she will be shaving her hair off.

She said: “With the pandemic and cancellation of events, funding to charities has been significantly impacted, and many are facing tough decisions as to how to provide the same level of service with less resources.

“That’s why it’s important that I do everything I can to support them in this tough time to help them continue their amazing work and to keep this service going for all those people who need their support.”

Beth added: “I also tragically lost a friend to suicide last year and I can’t help but wonder how things could be different if he had reached out to a service just like Mind.

“I’ve spoken with many people who have used Mind over the years, and they have explained to me how critical it was in helping them through their struggles. Although I’ve personally never used Mind’s services, I feel better knowing that the service is there for everyone.”

Beth said it has been “nice to talk openly about mental health” during her fundraising campaign.

Lucy Lloyd, Senior Fundraising Officer at Mind Cymru, said: “We are thrilled that Beth has chosen to support Mind. During this pandemic, millions of us have experienced a mental health problem, or seen a loved one struggle. That’s why people in Wales need our support more than ever.

“The awareness and funds that Beth raises will help us to step up the fight for mental health. That means fighting for change, for fairness, for respect and for life-changing support.

“Through our support services and our network of 20 local Minds in Wales, we provide help to allow people experiencing mental health problems to live life as fully as possible. Support from Beth will help us to make sure that support is available for people when they need it most. Thank you so much Beth.”

To make a donation to Beth’s fundraiser, visit justgiving.com/fundraising/bethanballam

To follow Beth on her fundraising journey, visit m.facebook.com/bethsbuzzcutformind