Masham event for body helping young people stay mentally well

The Early Bird Gift Fair takes place in Masham Town Hall, in Wensleydale on Thursday, September 20, with a drinks reception evening preceding the event on Wednesday, September 19.

The fair, which features stalls selling products from The Present House Co, Tassels of London and The Nearly New Cashmere Co and many more Yorkshire and Northern-based companies, will raise money for the Charlie Waller Memorial Trust.

The trust was set up in 1997 in memory of Charlie Waller, a young man who took his own life whilst suffering from depression. Shortly after his death, his family founded the trust in order to educate young people on the importance of staying mentally well and how to do so.

The fair is curated by Sarah Pirie and Ulicia Edwards, both supporters of the trust. Sarah in particular has a personal connection with the charity. She said: “Having been bereaved twice by suicide in my family, I want to raise awareness about identifying the signs of depression and low self-esteem.

“My son Jake’s suicide was extremely unexpected and I truly believe that if we had known the information that the trust provides, we may have been more vigilant at spotting the signs. Therefore, we are organising the fair to raise money for this inspirational charity that has already helped so many.”

Robert Beaumont, a Yorkshire-based trustee of the Charlie Waller Memorial Trust, said: “We are tremendously grateful to Sarah and Ulicia for their support. Events such as this don’t just raise money for the trust, but they also raise awareness of what we do, which is extremely important.”

The Drinks Reception on Wednesday, September 19 starts at 5:30pm until 9pm and is £10 entry to include a glass of wine and nibbles. The fair on Thursday, September 20, opens at 10am until 3pm and includes a fun day of general shopping and more for everyone.

For general enquiries email; ulicia@geyp.co.uk or; sarahpirie721@btinternet.com