An artist whose sister took her own life is to embark on a charity challenge for a new centre.
Talented Meltham creative Darren Baker will embark on a seven day walk along the Great Wall of China in October to raise money for The Leanne Baker Trust, which wants to open a drop-in centre in the area for those with mental health problems.
Darren, who paints hyper-realist paintings and drawings and now lives in London, founded the charity with family members in 2014 following 35-year-old Leanne’s death the summer before at her home in Almondbury.
“I decided earlier this year that I would like to do something really challenging to support the charity and raise its profile”, said Darren, 39.
“I know the walk, which comprises of seven consecutive days walking across the great wall, sleeping in rural lodges, will be tough but hope I can rise to it.
“With training and support of my family and the charity I am confident it will be a massive success.”
It is the latest fundraising activity for the trust, which has appealed for help to find a suitable venue.
“From the experiences of ourselves and others, we felt that there just wasn’t enough support for those with mental health issues,” said Darren.
“We’re currently looking for a venue to support those with mental health issues, specifically anxiety and depression, and their friends and family.
“We’d like it to be somewhere people can go to chat to someone and where classes and therapists can be based.
“We have had huge support from local charities, including the South West Yorkshire Partnership Trust, local MPs, and the University of Huddersfield.
“We have however, hit a brick wall regarding finding a property to set the wheels in motion.
“The council have been literally no use and so this is why we would like to launch this appeal.”
Anyone who would like to donate to Darren’s challenge or would like to contact the charity should go to leannebakertrust.squarespace.com.
