A CHARITY set up by a widower in memory of his tragic wife was given a huge financial boost from telecom company Vodafone.
It has been a year since Chris Bingley from Fixby set up the Joanne (Joe) Bingley Memorial Foundation after his wife Joanne threw herself under a train at Deighton Railway Station in April 2010.
Nurse Joanne – known as Joe – was suffering from severe postnatal depression and couldn’t cope after the birth of their daughter Emily.
But Chris, 43, has turned his wife’s tragedy into something positive and his charity is helping others suffering from debilitating and severe postnatal depression.
Now he is delighted after Mary Newsome, who runs the charity for him, won a place on the Vodafone World of Difference programme.
It means the phone company will fund her charity work for a whole year.
Mary, from Holmfirth, said: “The Joanne (Joe) Bingley Memorial Foundation and I would like to thank Vodafone for their support.
“As a relatively new organisation, the financial support provided by them will enable vital work to go forward and for us to achieve some of our goals ahead of schedule. It’s fantastic to win this.”
Mary, who has three sons, will now work full-time for the charity which was set up to raise awareness of, inform and support women and families affected by postnatal depression.
Chris, who works in finance, told the Examiner the charity has achieved a lot in just one year and he hopes the money will mean they can push forward with new projects.
Before now, Chris has paid for most of the charity’s projects out of his own pocket.
He said: “I am so proud of what the team has achieved in such a short period of time and I am so moved by all the messages of support and comments that show we are making a difference.
“We have been working hard to raise awareness of postnatal depression, what to watch out for and what treatment, care and support you should be receiving.
“We provide training and education workshops, provide leaflets and z-cards for health visitors, midwifes and GPs to give to mums and their families to help with diagnosis and treatment.
“We aim to ensure patients get the support they need.”
The charity will now focus on setting up a local network of volunteer ‘befrienders’ to support new families as well as a Huddersfield support group.
They will also work on a national level with the Maternal Mental Health Alliance.
Chris said: “Joe touched our hearts and our lives, making everyone who met her or knew her better people.
“There has to be a legacy that Joe leaves behind that is both positive and reflects the warmth and love for life she shared with us all.”
If you think you may be affected by postnatal depression or need more information visit www.joebingleymemorialfoundation.org.uk.
