Ella Williams carries more than just a backpack as she takes on the London Summer Walk Ultra Challenge this month. The 24-year-old medical student from Wandsworth is walking 42km to honour her cousin Minnie, whose death by suicide in 2023 left a profound void in her life. Ella says she hopes her fundraising efforts for Mind will help other families avoid the same heartbreak.
A close bond shattered by loss
Ella and Minnie grew up together, and their shared childhood remains one of Ella's most treasured memories. "It's hard to find the words to express quite how wonderful Minnie was," she said. "She made the world a better, brighter place. Navigating life without her is immensely painful, but I'm so grateful for the years we had."
As Minnie's mental health declined, Ella witnessed the devastating impact of her illness. She recalled one of the last times Minnie stayed with her, feeling heartbroken to see the extent of her cousin's pain. That experience, combined with her own challenges and supporting others, drove Ella to act.
Seeing NHS pressures first-hand
Through her medical studies, Ella has observed the growing strain on NHS mental health services. She praised the dedication of healthcare staff but acknowledged how stretched and underfunded the wider system has become. This, she says, is where charitable support becomes vital.
"That's where charities like Mind come in," she explained. "They support people when life feels impossibly difficult, through helplines, crisis resources, community services, counselling, and campaigning for better policies and education."
Turning grief into action
Ella's motivation is deeply personal. "There are no words to describe the pain of losing Minnie," she said. "I hope raising money for Mind will help prevent future deaths by suicide and ensure people in the darkest places get the support they need."
She added: "I saw a post recently that said suicide is a preventable cause of death and it really stuck with me. We weren't able to prevent Minnie's death, but I hope this walk will help prevent others. Minnie was one of the most kind, caring and considerate people I've ever known. I hope she'd be proud of me for doing this."
The challenge and how to support
The London Summer Walk Ultra Challenge takes place on 22 August. Ella has already raised more than £1,500, and donations can be made via her JustGiving page: www.justgiving.com/page/ella-williams-1778707820757. Entry fees for the event vary by challenge distance, and sign-ups for future events are available at www.ultrachallenge.com/london-summer-walk.
Where to find support
The following helplines and services offer support for anyone experiencing mental health difficulties or affected by suicide:
- Samaritans – 116 123 (24/7) or email jo@samaritans.org
- CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably) – 0800 58 58 58 (5pm to midnight daily)
- PANDAS – 0808 1961 776 (perinatal mental illness support)
- Childline – 0800 1111 (for children and young people)
- PAPYRUS – 0800 068 41 41 (support for teenagers and young adults feeling suicidal)
- Mind – 0300 123 3393 (advice and support for anyone with a mental health problem)
- Students Against Depression – a website for students experiencing depression or suicidal thoughts
- family lives – a website for children and adults affected by bullying
- Amparo – 0330 088 9255 (emotional and practical support after suicide, including inquest help)
- Hub of Hope – mental health support database, available via app, hubofhope.co.uk, or text SHOUT to 85258
Ella's determination to make a difference in Minnie's memory is a powerful reminder of the importance of mental health support. As she put it, "I hope she'd be proud of me for doing this."
