A COUPLE who met on a Christian dating website wanted to do the charitable thing when they tied the knot in Devizes.
Instead of asking for presents Peter and Frances Walker asked their wedding guests to donation to the mental health charity Wiltshire Mind.
They have now donated £2,053 to the charity after the amount far exceeded their expectations.
Bus driver Mr Walker, 46, and Mrs Walker, 28, a cleaner, who live in Devizes met about 15 months ago and were married at St James Church on July 30. Mr Walker said: "We were really looking forward to our special day. We decided early on that we didn’t need any gifts, but it would be great if our guests could help support a charity close to our hearts, which is Wiltshire Mind.”
“We didn’t know how much had been raised until we got back from honeymoon and were absolutely floored to see it was over £2,000. We’re delighted that our guests have been so kind and generous."
He said both he and his new wife knew what it was like to suffer from mental health issues and wanted to help the charity that supports people when they are going through a difficult time.
Mr Walker said: "We wanted to support the cause because of our own history."
Carolyn Beale, Chief Executive of Wiltshire Mind said: “This is such a wonderful gesture. We provide services across Wiltshire but are not commissioned and do not receive funding from national Mind.
"We rely exclusively on donations and fundraising to generate the income needed to provide our mental health services” This generous gift will help local people with mental health issues in our community.
“Everyone at Wiltshire Mind wishes Peter and Frances every happiness in their new life together.”
If you wish to make a donation to Wiltshire Mind, take part in a fundraising event or have a special occasion coming up, please do make contact with Wiltshire Mind at First Floor, 21-23 High St, Melksham, Telephone: 01225 706532
To find out more about Wiltshire Mind please see www.wiltshiremind.co.uk donate online at www.wiltshiremind.co.uk/get-involved/donations/
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