An Ayrshire mum has created a calendar and photo book of reflections and seascapes in honour of her sons’ father who died just before Christmas from mental health issues.
Chantal McFeely, 51, of Monkton, is donating 50 per cent of the profits of her creations to Mental Health Foundation in honour of Robin McFeely, who passed away aged 50.
Her works of art depict photos she has taken out on daily walks, including picturesque sunsets, alongside uplifting quotes.
Chantal, who enjoys wild swimming at the beach, said: “I just knew I had to do something. I wanted to stop what happened to Robin happening to other people.
“After his funeral I had an image of creating a calendar and photo book of my sea photos in his memory; we met by the sea and he loved being by the sea.
“Robin lived in a flat in Glasgow, and I thought if he had maybe had that book or some words of comfort it might have helped him; it might have given him a bit of hope.
“I think it’s helped me appreciate what Robin was going through — that inner turmoil. And it made me think what can I give back.
“I think the rates are quite high at the moment for people suffering and struggling.
“I will never know what happened with Robin but I know he was trying. He was an amazing dad — such a lovely person — who just found things difficult.
“I just really would love to feel that I can make a difference and that I’m doing something in a small way that is giving other people comfort and it’s also raising money."
Mancini’s at the beach cafe in Prestwick are selling the calendars, £10, and photo books, £15, with a free coffee with each purchase.
Chantal added: “I’m bowled over by how supportive Filippo Mancini has been.
“He was the one who came up with everyone gets a free coffee with a purchase, and he wanted posters put up to promote it.
“From someone I didn’t know, it was just incredible.”
Filippo added: “Chantal approached me and I just thought it was the right thing to do.
“I never knew anything about mental health and then with the lockdown and trading all year down the beach, the amount of people who I’ve met has been unbelievable.
“There is a lot of people where Mancini’s is their lifeline; they come along have a coffee and an ice cream and I tell them a joke and it makes them feel good.
“There’s always people worse off than yourself.”
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