*UPDATE* - 26.09.18 Going forward, this page will be used for any future fundraising events that happen in memory of Lauren. At the end of the year I will close the page and of the funds raised, half of it will go to Samaritans, one quarter to Mind’s national charity, and the other quarter The Sanctuary in Peterborough. This was often a safe haven for Lauren when she needed it.

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This page has been set up in memory of Lauren Machin. Not only was she a colleague, but she was a good friend to many of us. Lauren had struggled with her mental health for several years, and on the 4th April 2018, she ended her life. She never shied away from talking about her mental health, as well as mental health in general, and was a great advocate for breaking the stigma surrounding it. As part of this, she would always endeavour to help if ever she thought anyone was struggling. It is impossible to find a bad word to say about Lauren, she made such an impact on our lives that we want to commemorate her in the best way that we can.

With the money we raise through this page, we would like to create a memorial for Lauren at Wood Green, The Animals Charity, near Godmanchester. Although Lauren loved all animals, one of her favourite places here was with the ferrets. We, as her friends and colleagues, have chosen to commemorate her within the ferret area at Wood Green. We plan on having a multi-coloured recycled plastic bench and two wooden chairs, which we will paint in the crazy colours she’d dyed her hair!

If we have any money left over from this, it will be split equally between Samaritans and Mind, in the hope that these two charities are able to help more people struggling with mental health problems.