Meet Teresa Rutterford, our Supporter of the Year winner

Teresa has been a supporter of Rethink Mental Illness for many years, particularly since the death of her son, Jerome, in 2018. She works tirelessly, not only in fundraising but also in raising awareness about mental health issues in the community. Teresa is physically disabled, and her own health has not been of the best, but nonetheless she has used her skills to raise funds for Rethink. She has impressive craft work skills and is an accomplished quilter. Teresa hosts craft days and workshops, and sells her own work at local fairs and church events. To date Teresa has raised over £10,000 in Jerome's Tribute Fund for Rethink.  

Teresa has not just raised funds but has also been active in promoting awareness of mental health issues. She has regularly attended and taken part in hospital trust meetings and advocated better support for mental health in her local trust. She is also active in helping and supporting people who care for someone with mental health issues. 

Teresa has recently been involved in the process for Rethink legacy and in-memory propositions. Despite the grief that her family felt at the death of Jerome, Teresa was only too willing to share the insights which came out of this experience and support others similarly suffering from bereavement. 

Despite experiencing her own physical health challenges, Teresa has always gone the extra mile to support others experiencing mental health difficulties, and her efforts are extremely deserving of our Support of the Year Award.