Why am I fundraising for Mind?

The last time I saw my brother Nathan, was in the spring of 2015.

It was just before Easter and I had been to visit Nathan on the ward where he was detained under the Mental Health Act, following years of struggle with psychosis.

I had taken Nathan some Easter eggs, bright and glittery in their foil wrapping. We had our usual awkward conversation (monosyllabic on his part, nervous and wittering on mine), we said goodbye and Nathan walked away down the bare hallway, turning briefly to glance back at me.

Outside, in the grounds of the hospital, daffodils danced egg yolk yellow like a promise of hope.

My relationship with Nathan was defined as much by absence as presence - like the negative space in photography - Nathan silhouetted against a blank sky, sharp focus memories of childhood and then blurred and scattered images of adulthood. Over the years he faded gently from focus and then suddenly was gone.

On the 15th July 2015 Nathan died suddenly of an unexpected accident on the ward.

Nathan was given a number of diagnoses over the years, initially Schizophrenia and later Autism.

Autism made sense - the world seemed to hurt Nathan and ultimately his sensitivity sent him into the overwhelm of psychosis.

Over the years I have used Mind's excellent resources explaining legal rights for those detained under the Mental Health Act, what diagnostic labels mean and helpful information about different psychiatric medications. I have also shared the more general information around Mental Health and support available with the many people I have worked with as both a Social Worker and Counsellor. I have referred people to Mind Services and have felt immensely grateful that there are charities like Mind who can offer local community support for those who, like Nathan, were struggling with their mental health.

My fundraising challenge

My name is Anna Ferris and I am a 53 year mother of two, a Social Worker and Counsellor and an enthusiastic spaniel lover who finds healing in Nature.

In late March 2026 I will be starting a four month walk from John O'Groats to Land's End in memory of my brother Nathan Ferris.

I will be accompanied on the trail by my cocker spaniel Molly. I plan to walk and camp with friends joining at points along the route. I will also incorporate some sections of cycling (Molly is looking forward to travelling in style in a Dog Trailer!) and if I wild swim I may even call my adventure a Triathlon!

Through my walk I hope to raise funds for the Mental Health Charity Mind. I would love to support their valuable work ensuring that everyone who is experiencing a mental health difficulty is able to access the support, respect and information they need to navigate their challenges.

Why donate to Mind?

A donation to Mind UK directly funds frontline support services, mental health information resources, and national campaigning for better healthcare for those impacted by mental health difficulties.

Of every £1 donated approximately 81p goes directly to supporting people and campaigning around mental health issues. The remainder goes to essential running costs.

£5 Could help put mental health information into local GP surgeries, assisting people in taking the first step in asking for help

£10 Could pay towards advisors answering call on the Mind Infoline providing vital support and local signposting

£20 Could help run one of Mind's many projects such as Side by Side an online peer support community or pay for an advisor to answer a call from someone with nowhere else to turn

£50 Could help send 500 information packs to a school, providing young people with verified mental health resources

£100 Could cover the cost of an Infoline or Legal Line advisor for a day

Funding also supports the local Mind network - there are nearly 100 local Minds across England and Wales, which provide community services like crisis cafes and befriending programmes for over 600,000 people annually.

I would be so grateful if you are able to donate a little to help support all those who are struggling with their Mental Health. Mind help so many different people and every penny really does count!

Thank you

Anna (and Molly) x

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.