AN EMPLOYEE at Specsavers Flint is calling for donations for North East Wales Mind as she prepares to take on the Chester Half Marathon during Mental Health Awareness Week (12 – 18 May).
Dispensing optician, Dawn Dale is set to take on the 13-mile race to raise funds for the charity, which provides much-needed support to people living with mental health challenges across Flintshire and Wrexham.
Having faced her own mental health challenges, Ms Dale says running has played a big part in her journey towards recovery following a particularly difficult period during the Covid-19 pandemic.
She says: ‘That time in my life was extremely tough and I needed to take some time away from work to focus on getting better. With the right support – including counselling and medication – I slowly started to feel more like myself again.
‘Running became a real turning point for me. It’s something that helps me feel grounded and gives me a sense of purpose. Taking on this half marathon feels like a way to give something back and to raise awareness that support is out there for anyone who’s struggling.’
This isn’t the first charity challenge Ms Dale has taken on. Alongside her colleagues at Specsavers Flint, she previously completed a group parachute jump, raising £2,000 for the Royal National Institute of Blind People.
Now, she’s aiming to raise £500 to support North East Wales Mind’s vital work. With £300 already donated to her JustGiving page, her colleagues are helping her reach the finish line by hosting a bake sale in store between 8:45am and 5:30pm on Monday 28 April.
Specsavers Flint’s retail director, Holly Roberts, says: ‘We’re incredibly proud of Dawn – not only for taking on this challenge, but for speaking so openly about her journey. Her strength is inspiring and we’re looking forward to supporting her with a bake sale in store and also at the finish line. We’d love the local community to come along and get involved. Any donation, no matter how big or small, will make a huge difference.’
People unable to attend the bake sale can help Dawn reach her £500 goal by donating via her JustGiving page here: https://www.justgiving.com/page/dawndalerunschestermarathon
