HiTech commits support to mental health fundraising campaign

Specialist integral blind manufacturer, Hitech Blinds, has given its support to a mental health fundraising campaign set up by Glazerite Chairman, John Hewitt in memory of his late daughter, Kelly. 

We Mind & Kelly Matters aims to raise awareness of mental health and support those struggling with it, as well as fundraising for mental health charities including MIND.  

The charity was founded by John following the passing of Kelly, who died at just 24 years of age in December 2018 following a battle with depression. 

As part of its fundraising campaign a 12-strong We Mind & Kelly Matters team of family and friends will take on a gruelling cycle ride the length of the UK from John O’Groats to Land’s End this summer [2020]. 

HiTech Blinds is pledging its support to the campaign, with sponsorship of cycle jerseys as ‘Kelly’s Heroes’ take on the 13-day 1,000mile challenge, starting on 12^th August. 

Ian Woolley, Sales Director, HiTech Blinds, said: “We’ve worked closely with John and Glazerite for a very long time and I have incredible respect for the way that he has responded to Kelly’s death with a resolute and dignified determination to help others.

“We Mind & Kelly Matters, is contributing to changing the way that we all think and talk about mental health and we’re very pleased to be able to offer it our support. 

“We wish John and all those who will be spending 12-days ‘in the saddle’ this summer the very best for the challenge ahead.”

More than 6,800 people died by suicide in the UK and the Republic of Ireland in 2018 – a more than 10% rise on the previous year. 

We Mind & Kelly Matters hope to raise more than £50,000 through the challenge but Kelly’s father, John, said it was just as important to raise awareness of mental health.

He said: “Almost all of the team on the ride knew Kelly and so it’s very much a personal challenge for all those taking part.

“The charity has only been running for 10-months and I’m blown away with the support we’ve had across the industry.  Hitech Blinds have supported us heavily from the outset with a substantial contribution and a drive to help raise awareness by promoting what we are doing regularly. 

“This is all being done to not only raise funds for MIND but also as much awareness about mental health as we possibly can, in the hope that we can reduce, or even prevent suicides in the future.”

To sponsor Kelly’s Heroes, visit: https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/JohnHewitt1