Mum takes on the challenge to help prevent more deaths

The devastating effect that suicide can have on a family has spurred bar manager Shelly Heap raise money for a charity devoted to preventing suicide.
Shelly Heap, who has given up alcohol for a year to raise awareness of a charity that helps to prevent suicide in young people, with her husband Ben.Shelly Heap, who has given up alcohol for a year to raise awareness of a charity that helps to prevent suicide in young people, with her husband Ben.
Shelly Heap, who has given up alcohol for a year to raise awareness of a charity that helps to prevent suicide in young people, with her husband Ben.

Shelly decided to give up alcohol for a year in a bid to raise cash for the national charity PAPYRUS for the prevention of young suicide.

She began the challenge in September and so far has raised the incredible total of £1,650.

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Shelly (41) said: “If this can help to prevent just one person from taking their life it will have been worth it.

“All I want to do is raise awareness of the charity and support the work it does.”

Mum-of-three Shelly has been overwhelmed by the support she has received for her “no beer for a year” challenge.

It has been particularly challenging for her as she runs the bar at Lowerhouse Cricket Club where her cricketer husband Ben is captain.

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Shelly added: “I am not a big drinker but it has been hard at times, especially working in the club and during celebrations such as my birthday, Christmas and New Year.

“But I know it will be worth it in the end if it raises awareness of this vital charity.”

A friend suggested a sponsored pub crawl from Harle Syke to the cricket club on Good Friday, March 30th, where Ben (29) has organised an Opening Up Cricket event to promote mental wellbeing and suicide prevention through the game.

Eighty people had signed up for the walk in just two days and a friend of Shelly’s who owns the company Cherry Blossom Art House is sponsoring it and also making special t- shirts for the day for £5 each with every penny going to the charity.

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Shelly said: “I am so grateful to everyone for the support, it has been fantastic.”

To make a donation go to https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/shelly-heap1 or to find out more about the walk contact Shelly on facebook.