Former Belfast Giant and founder of Personal Best hosts fundraiser in memory of Stephen Clements

Action Mental Health’s ambassador and former Belfast Giant Kevin Raine has hosted a very special fundraiser in aid of Action Mental Health. Kevin who recently retired from competitive sport, organised the fundraiser in conjunction with his company Personal Best, Giants’ supporter Angela Cragg Wright and the Stephen Clements Foundation.

Just before Christmas, Personal Best ran a giveaway with the grand prize being the first ever Personal Best jersey, of which Angela was the winner. Not content to just accept the prize, Angela decided there must be a way to raise funds for a good cause and came up with the idea of raffling off the jersey in aid of a mental health charity in memory of Stephen Clements.

Action Mental Health were the lucky beneficiaries and Angela explained why she chose the charity:

“I chose Action Mental Health as the charity to be the beneficiary simply because I’d become aware of the charity through Kevin’s role as ambassador and his previous fundraising efforts, I remember the hair before the shave! During his life Stephen was always helping charities and inspired others to do the same. With the help of Personal Best being able to hand over this cheque in memory of Stephen is a huge honour. I am so pleased that this money can help AMH deliver its services to those who need it, raise awareness surrounding mental health and help break the stigma that surrounds it. I have no doubt that Stephen’s legacy will continue to help others.”

Gavin Clements from Stephen Clements foundation commented:

“We are so honoured that AMH, Personal Best and especially Angela have dedicated the shirt in Stephen’s memory.  Stephen had a very close relationship with the Belfast Giants and we continue to support any work that promotes mental wellbeing for all.”

The raffle raised the £1139 and Kevin, Angela and Gavin were on hand to present the charity with the funds raised.

Karen Quee, Service Manager at Action Mental Health was delighted to receive the funds and commented “we are thrilled by the ongoing support that Kevin gives and we are really touched by this special fundraiser, which not only raises vital funds for our charity, but also helps raise awareness of the importance of looking after your mental health. It is also a really special tribute to Stephen Clements.”

Kevin Raine explained why he is so passionate about supporting the work of Action Mental Health:

“I believe that the importance of organisations like Action Mental Health can’t be overstated. Inspired by what they stand for, I am called to use my platforms to spread positivity, inclusion, and encouragement. The messages suggesting “seek help in a time of need” or “talk to someone” were ones I’d heard many times before I decided to invest in my mental wellbeing. I believe that by echoing these same messages of compassion and encouragement, my words might be the ones some might need to hear.”

Image pictured left to right:

Gavin Clements (The Stephen Clements Foundation), Angela Cragg Wright (Fundraiser), Karen Quee (AMH), Kevin Raine (Personal Best), Charlene McShane (AMH).