Mayor celebrates completion of emotional fundraising journey

The Mayor, Cllr. Robert Bettley-Smith, is completing the last leg of “One Mayor Meandering” on Saturday, 8 November – leaving Clayton for starting point Brampton Museum – and will mark the special occasion with a celebratory “apres promenade” event at Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council’s award-winning heritage and cultural venue, having already smashed the original target.

After being invested with the chains of office in May, one of the Mayor’s first actions was the announcement of a 65-mile sponsored walk, in 10 stages, covering the boundary of the borough in aid of Papyrus, a national charity dedicated to preventing suicide in young people. The flagship campaign, organised by Mayoress Judy Bettley-Smith, is dedicated to his father, Neville, who died by suicide in June 1956, aged 33.

The couple – who hosted a walk on their 45th wedding anniversary recently– have together trekked approximately 293,000 steps to Westport Lake, Mow Cop Castle, Alsager, Betley, Woore, Knighton, Tyrley Locks, Loggerheads, Ashley Heath, Chapel Chorlton and Hanchurch. They have raised £2,695 so far, against an initial target of £2,000. Further donations can be made online.

Suicide is the main cause of death in people under the age of 35 in the UK. Every year more than 1,800 young people take their own lives. Papyrus provides confidential support and advice through their helpline HOPELINE247 – call 0800 068 4141, text 88247 or e-mail pat@papyrus-uk.org. Lines are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

The Mayor said:

I chose Papyrus as one of my mayoral charities – Belong in Newcastle town centre being the other one which provides dementia services – as suicide in the young is an issue that’s very close to my heart. My father took his own life just before my third birthday which had a devastating impact on my mother, his parents and my own life. The tragedy of suicide has also affected a number of people we know.

 

One Mayor Meandering isn’t just a physical challenge: it’s a hugely emotional one as well as a symbolic act of unity and hope. I’m thrilled that we’ve managed to exceed the fundraising target for a second time. We also want to raise awareness of Papyrus’s work while encouraging open conversations around mental health across the borough.

 

It’s been wonderful to bring together residents, local organisations and others in this way. I would like to thank my sponsors, family – particularly the Mayoress – friends, colleagues and passers-by for their practical support and words of encouragement. Completing the challenge feels like an achievement and I’m looking forward to celebrating with everyone at the Brampton Museum.”

The walking group leaves the layby opposite the Holiday Inn, on Clayton Road, at 12.45pm on 8 November. The museum event, which will also be attended by civic dignitaries, is fully booked. All proceeds will go to Papyrus. For further updates, please visit the Mayor’s Facebook page.