Friends’ MIND fundraiser in memory of tragic loved ones sells out in TWO days

Music for MIND will be at Silverwood Miners’ Welfare at Dalton on Saturday, March 2, featuring 30 performers plus a DJ, clothes sale, raffle and more.

Organisers Jessica Carroll (21) and Tanvia Holden (36), both of Rawmarsh, have joined forces to put on the event and remember two special women, who both had a love of music and dance.

Jessica will honour her “amazing” friend Chelsey Peart (below), who was found hanged last April aged 27 after suffering from mental health issues.

Jessica said Chelsey’s death had been a shock and had opened her eyes to mental health.

“At her funeral they were collecting for MIND, so we decided to specifically raise money for the Sheffield and Barnsley branch,” said Jessica.

Chelsey (27) was a well-loved textiles teacher at Rawmarsh Community School whom Jessica described as a “role model” and who had inspired her to go into teaching. 

“I used to dance with Chelsey at Dance Classique in Rawmarsh, she danced from being three and so did I,” said Jessica.

“Chelsey was also my childhood babysitter and used to give me makeovers all the time including for my 18th birthday and my prom and my dad also works with Chelsey’s roofer dad.”

She added: “Prior to organising the fundraiser, I asked permission from Chelsey’s mum, Jayne, who was thrilled with the idea and very touched by the idea of keeping her memory alive.”

Jessica said Chelsey’s former Dance Classique pals will also be performing.

The night of entertainment will also honour Tanvia’s mum Debbie Whorton, who suffered a fatal heart attack last April.

Debbie suffered from depression throughout her life and was involved with Rotherham and Barnsley MIND.

Teaching assistant Tanvia, said her mum was “a supportive mother, treasured sister and friend and an extremely proud nannan”. 

Tanvia said: “My mum had a great passion for music, especially country and musicals.

“She shared this passion with me from being young and it was this that led me to become involved in amateur theatre and later moved on to run Stage Right Theatre Academy and become part of The Sweet Tones vocal duo. 

“Mum was an avid supporter and never missed a single show or event. 

“In fact, it was at my previous fundraising event that we last saw her in person as she died a couple of days later.”

Tanvia added: “Life wasn’t always easy for mum. From a young age she suffered on and off with depression and various other illnesses. 

“However, this never stopped her getting out and about and meeting new people. 

“She became a treasured member of MIND mental health support centre where she gained many friends and experiences. 

“MIND has been a big help to both my mum and myself over the years. 

“In my teens, I was welcomed into a carers group which helped me to understand and deal with living with someone suffering mental health issues, which can be very difficult and confusing at times. 

“I have many great memories of spending time with mum at Rotherham Mind day centre and taking part in activities and day trips. It’s such an important service and I know my mum would be proud to know we are raising money and awareness in her name.”

Visit https://bit.ly/2UHxhRg to make a donation in support of the event.