Writer’s charity walk in memory of his inspirational nan

I Love MCR Theatre Writer Glenn Meads will be tackling a tricky charity challenge to support two local charities close to his heart.

He is walking this August to raise funds for two significant causes in memory of his late nan, Joan.

Over a span of ten days, Glenn will walk briskly for 1500 minutes to commemorate the 40th anniversary of his nan’s death and to support two charities close to his heart: Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide and 500 Acts of Kindness.

Glenn’s story

Glenn’s nan, Joan, was a guiding light in his early life.

“She introduced me to so many things, including museums, horse riding, took me to the cinema and the theatre, and raised my awareness of animal cruelty,” Glenn recalled.

“She was more than my nan; she was a confidante and she cared about my ambitions and who I was going to be.”

Joan’s compassion for animal welfare left a lasting impression on Glenn.

He vividly remembers her confronting a local fox hunt to educate him about the issue.

In November 1984, Joan tragically took her own life, leaving a 14-year-old Glenn devastated and without direction.

Reflecting on that dark period, Glenn shared: “There was a huge stigma connected to suicide, and people did not talk about it the way they do today.

“I skipped school and I felt lost. I left school at 16, even though I was expected to stay on. I went back to college in 1995 and University in 1998. I trained to teach in 2000.”

The lingering pain of his nan’s death resurfaced during the pandemic when a film scene triggered an emotional breakdown.

Glenn realised he had not properly grieved.

“Out of the blue, I could not stop sobbing. I realised I had locked it away,” he says.

Seeking help, he turned to the charity Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide, which provided him with the support he needed.

“They listened actively, and I then attended an online group. It was empowering, supportive, and at times really tough. But this support meant I could carry on, and I vowed to do something in Nan’s memory when I was ready. Now, here I am.”

Suicide by Bereavement Charity

Glenn’s fundraising efforts aim to support Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide, a charity that offered him a lifeline during his darkest moments.

“Their work is incredible, and it changes the lives of those left behind,” Glenn emphasised.

You can find out more about Bereavement by Suicide’s work by clicking here

Additionally, he is raising funds for 500 Acts of Kindness, a charity that assists people, small charities, and businesses in navigating the cost of living crisis.

“My nan would have loved this initiative,” he added.

500 Acts of Kindness

500 Acts of Kindness, a remarkable small charity, has gathered a community of over 500 members who contribute £1 per week to make a difference.

With the funds collected, they provide vital assistance to individuals and small businesses facing hardships.

Last year, they helped a local man who sells Big Issue magazines, providing him with money for an oven and finding him a bed.

This act of kindness brought much-needed comfort to someone who had been sleeping on a couch, their oven broken.

With the overwhelming demand for their services, 500 Acts of Kindness strives to support individuals nominated by their group members.

By donating to this cause, you directly impact lives and contribute to a stronger community.

Speaking to I Love MCR, Glenn said: “I am a member of this brilliant community-based charity and I have seen the impact and they really do change lives, £1 at a time.”

“When you see an email from a recipient who has been supported, it is really moving and makes you feel good, as the government sees many of these people as invisible.”

You can donate to this great cause by clicking here