Suffolk Mind is celebrating the huge success of its first Gala held at Jimmys Farm in Wherstead, which raised more than £27,000 to help support people across the county. 

The mental health charity hosted the event at Jimmy's Farm, run by TV presenter Jimmy Doherty.  

Gala on the Farm was held to help generate vital funds and raise awareness of the charity's important work and raised £27,472 in total.  

Jon Neal, CEO of Suffolk Mind, said: "We are extremely pleased with the success of our first ever Gala on the Farm. 

"The support we have received has been fantastic. It shows our goal of making Suffolk the best place in the world for talking about and taking care of mental health is shared by many. 

"As a charity, funding makes a huge difference to our ability to deliver services – so we are extremely grateful to everyone who helped us raise such an incredible amount of money."   

Gala on the Farm saw people enjoy food, drinks and music – as well as a charitable auction and raffle. Items up for grabs include a 1978 replica ITFC shirt signed by winning goalscorer Roger Osborne, an England Rugby World Champions 2003 shirt signed by Jonny Wilkinson, a stay in Bulgaria, as well as other experiences from local businesses. 

Jon Neal at Gala Farm night (Picture: Suffolk Mind)

The event was headline sponsored by Suffolk-based global natural extracts and ingredients manufacturer, Treatt.  

Its CEO, Daemmon Reeve, said: "We have long been supporters of Suffolk Mind and take great pride in the relationship we've built with the team.  

"At Treatt, we are committed to supporting wellbeing and have experienced first-hand the impact Suffolk Mind's services can have, having taken part in The Mental Health Toolkit: The Essentials and Sleep Well, Work Well courses run by the charity.  

"The chance to sponsor Gala on the Farm was a natural decision for us and we'd like to thank Suffolk Mind for organising such an enjoyable and important event."  

Jon Neal added: "We'd like to share a heartfelt thank you to Jimmy's Farm for having us, our headline sponsor Treatt and other sponsors GLO, StrategiQ and Mad-HR." 

To find out more about Suffolk Mind and how to support the charity, visit www.suffolkmind.org.uk.