St Neots local, David Lee, has launched a colourful fundraising campaign which enables those who donate to vote on whether he dyes his beard a bright shade of blue, yellow, red or orange. His efforts will culminate in a grand reveal at Mr. Barbers in St Neots on Tuesday 22^nd June at 11am when he leaves with his newly styled, eye-catching beard.

All of this is in aid of promoting positive mental health and raising funds for us. It is a cause close to David’s heart having experienced significant mental health challenges himself just four years ago. Since then, David has become an active volunteer for CPSL Mind and a non-executive director of The Sun Network.

Speaking about his ‘Beardy Journey’, David says, “I thought this would be a good way to raise awareness for mental health and the importance of looking after your wellbeing. Mental health conditions can affect anyone, even me, so I’m going to dye my beard a funky, bright colour to raise funds so that CPSL Mind can continue to support local people.”

“If you see me walking around St Neots with a brightly coloured beard, please remember it’s so important to be kind to yourself and take care of your wellbeing”

The generosity David has shown in volunteering his time (and beard!) is now being reflected in community support for his fundraising efforts, including from Mr. Barbers in St Neots who have kindly donated their time and hair dye to make this happen.

David also has the backing of the Mayor of St Neots, Stephen Ferguson, who said, “As a fellow bearded man, I fully endorse David’s fundraising activity, not only because it is raising money for CPSL Mind, but because it raises awareness of all the great work they do in our community. Most of all I hope that David’s beard-dying will be a vehicle that helps more people talk honestly about their mental health.”

Catherine Keating, our Community Fundraiser said, “We are so proud of David and his quest to help others and lift their spirits. The Covid-19 pandemic is affecting people’s mental wellbeing in many different ways and, in response to increased levels of anxiety, isolation and loneliness, we have adapted our existing services – and developed new ones. With demand for our services remaining high we are extremely grateful to David for highlighting the importance of having fun whilst helping others.”

If you would like to support David in his endeavour, please click on the JustGiving Link: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/beardyjourney

If you would like more information on how you could fundraise for us, then please visit: https://www.cpslmind.org.uk/get-involved/fundraise-for-us/ where you can find fundraising ideas that are fun and Covid-19 safe or contact Community Fundraiser Catherine Keating on: catherine.keating@cpslmind.org.uk