Celebration of Wayne helps those in crisis on Suicide Prevention Day

A fundraising event to celebrate the life of Wayne Jackson has raised £311 to help fund Derbyshire Mind’s Mental Health Crisis Support Drop-in Services.

The donation was raised at a charity fundraiser in memory of Wayne, who sadly took his own life. The event was organised by Susan Shaw and Letitia Jackson and held at the Charlton Arms, Chilwell. The pub provided the venue for the event for free, including the function room and garden, as well as putting on a disco and DJ. Guests helped to make the event a great send off for Wayne, contributing balloons, decorations, cakes and food for the buffet. There was also a Wayne Jackson collection box for those who generously donated.

Stapleford community group remembered Wayne as “the kind of person who left a lasting impression. He had a fantastic sense of humour, a warm and forgiving heart, and the rare ability to make others feel seen, heard and valued. His gentle nature and kind soul touched the lives of everyone lucky enough to know him.”

Event organiser Susan Shaw described Wayne as “an amazing friend, dad, boyfriend, brother, uncle, and a great human being who will be sadly missed.” She said the family are going through a very difficult time and she wanted to do something kind for them by giving Wayne “the best party we can as a community”, as well as raising money to help others in crisis.

The 10th September is World Suicide Prevention Day, which focuses global attention on suicide prevention, uniting communities, organisations, and governments with the shared belief that suicides are preventable, and creating environments where people feel able to speak up and seek help.

Thanking Susan and Letitia on behalf of Derbyshire Mind, Trustee Gavin Cooper said:

“Donations such as this are crucial to funding our services. The money raised in memory of Wayne will help fund our Crisis Support Drop-In services based in Buxton, Ripley and Swadlincote. These provide an out-of-hours friendly community crisis support space open to adults experiencing emotional distress or mental health crisis, and a welcoming non-clinical alternative to A&E for any person who self-defines as needing immediate help with their mental health or emotional wellbeing.”

Our sincere thanks to the family and friends of Wayne, who not only thought to raise funds in aid of Derbyshire Mind, but have allowed us to share Wayne’s story and his family and friends wonderful celebration of his life. Our thoughts and wishes are with you all. Thank You.