Wrexham mother raises money for mental health charities

Emma Lloyd, from Garden Village, died at the age of 38 in 2018 following years of struggle with her mental health.

Emma Lloyd, Elaine Hughes' daughter

Her mother, Elaine Hughes, 68, has since worked hard to raise money for charities such as Mind, that help with mental health and suicide.

Her efforts have raised over £3,000 in total so far and her fundraising efforts were boosted following a craft fair which took place on November 20.

She said: “I held a 'Crafternoon' two years ago. That was in memory of my daughter who took her life the previous year and raised over £2,000 for Mind.

“Obviously we couldn’t do anything last year with the pandemic but this year I thought we would do it again.”

The pandemic prevented another Crafternoon however, so instead a Craft Fair was held at St Margaret’s Church in Garden Village where they raised just over £1,150.

The Craft Fair

Mrs Hughes sold bottles she decorated using a process where napkins are glued to bottles, making them look painted - known as decoupage bottles.

It is something she learned not long after her daughter died, and sells them for £10, with the money going to Mind.

She said: “It’s been my lifesaver because I lose myself doing these bottles. I don’t have to think too much.”

Her other daughter, Catherine King, came to Wrexham from London to help with the fair, along with her daughter Scarlett.

Catherine has also done some fundraising of her own, having run the London Marathon virtually in Kingston last year.

The nurse raised over £2,000 for Samaritans, and Mrs Hughes said that it was an emotional experience for Catherine.

Mrs Hughes says she has a lot of support around her through family and friends. Having had issues with mental health herself in the past, she says that it is very important to her that people talk and get help.

For more information on Mind, visit https://www.mind.org.uk/