Swindon mental health charity set up in memory of BBC journalist

The Kelly Foundation, which is based at the Pinetrees Centre in North Swindon, was founded by John Stooke, 76, with the ambition of helping better the mental health of local residents.

John’s daughter Kelly, whose married name was Jobanputra, was a popular journalist who was a presenter on BBC Radio Wiltshire for 11 years, before moving to become a producer at BBC Radio 6 Music in London.

“The charity has been set up in memory of Kelly to support individuals with severe anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues where just antidepressant prescriptions are not the complete answer,” he said.

“Everyone in Swindon should live a healthy, safe, fulfilling and independent life, supported by thriving and connected communities.”

Kelly was a popular local journalist who worked for many organisations including the BBC. (Image: John Stooke)

In 2019, Kelly took her own life and her profound loss is still felt as hard almost four years on with John noting how she had struggled over the years.

“She had terrible issues with her mental health. What you saw with Kelly wasn’t always what was actually going on with her as she put a façade on,” said John.

“She managed to live her life relatively successfully to the people of the outside world but her family knew what a struggle it was for her everyday just to seem normal.”

John also lost his son to poor mental health, making the charity extremely close to his heart as he aims to combat mental health issues in the Wiltshire town.

“My son died when he was 31, having suffered from undiagnosed acute anxiety,” he said.

“Kelly never really got over her brother’s death and this added to her problems.”

Kelly's father John has founded a charity in her name to help tackle mental health issues in Swindon. (Image: John Stooke)

Around 27,600 people have a mental health disorder and there are 700 hospital admissions each year for self-harm incidents, with 16 residents on average dying from suicide.

“My desire is to help other people struggling with this as Kelly would have wanted that,” said John.

“If you talk to any parent who has lost a child, they will always say that the most important thing is that their loss was not in vain and that their lives are not forgotten.

“So I wanted to make this for Kelly too to make sure her children grow up knowing that she was a great person.”

To help mark the creation of the new charity, The Kelly Foundation will be hosting a fundraising ball next month.

The event will take place at the Deanery Theatre in Wichelstowe on Sunday, February 5, and will include live music and entertainment.

Vocalist Adam Okin will be attending on the day and so will the all-girl band The Swing Birds, with vocals by Kym Rose and Lauren Landi, which will run from 3:30pm to 5:30pm.

John is hoping that the event in February is a great success for the new charity. (Image: Newsquest)

Each seat for the launch concert is priced at £10 and all the proceeds will go to helping support The Kelly Foundation’s work.

“All in all we have been very well supported by both the theatre and the rest of the people who are linked to this,” said John.

“The artists are appearing free of charge so we are very thankful for the contributions.”

Food will also be available at the event, with the H&W canal pub opposite offering food and drink at a 10 per cent discounted price for those present.

There are 430 seats in total and the charity have sold two thirds of the allocation so far.

“We would like to achieve a full theatre if possible,” said John.

If you are interested in attending or would like to learn more about The Kelly Foundation, you can find the charities website here.