A foundation set up in memory of a North Yorkshire dad who took his own life has donated £30,000 to mental health support.
Charlie Dallas Lancaster, 36, from Thirsk, died in summer 2020. His family and friends remember his “cheeky, smiling face” and ability to “light up the room”.
After his death, his sisters Victoria Taylor and Alexandra Lancaster founded the Charlie Dallas Lancaster Foundation to continue his passion for helping others and encourage open conversations about mental health.
Victoria Taylor (middle) and Alex Lancaster (furthest right) from the Charlie Dallas Lancaster Foundation donated £30,000 to Menfulness (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
The foundation has spent the past six years raising money for mental health and suicide prevention work across York, North Yorkshire and beyond.
Victoria, Charlie’s older sister and a foundation trustee, said he “always encouraged others to achieve their goals with a determined mind and was brave enough to achieve his own dreams”.
The Charlie Dallas Lancaster Foundation charity night at Birdforth Hall (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
She said: “The main goal of the Foundation is to raise as much money for mental health support and give people who refer themselves access to therapy.”
Charlie built a successful property career after helping establish York estate agency Lancaster Samms.
The Charlie Dallas Lancaster Foundation charity night at Birdforth Hall (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
He later left to launch MyBid4it, an online property auction business he worked to bring to market.
But helping others was just as important to Charlie as his business career.
Alex Lancaster (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
He served on the board of the York Round Table and helped organise events raising money for local charities.
Mental health causes were close to his heart after he struggled with his own wellbeing for years.
The Charlie Dallas Lancaster Foundation charity night at Birdforth Hall pictured Alex Lancaster and Victoria Taylor (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
He spoke openly about mental health and urged others to share their difficulties, hoping greater awareness would make a difference.
Victoria said her brother was “incredibly kind” with his time and the money he raised for good causes.
The Charlie Dallas Lancaster Foundation charity night at Birdforth Hall (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
The foundation is continuing that work in his name.
The foundation donated £30,000 to mental health support group Menfulness at its annual fundraiser at Birdforth Hall, between York and Thirsk.
The Charlie Dallas Lancaster Foundation charity night at Birdforth Hall (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
More than 130 people attended, and donations helped support the event.
Victoria said: “Charlie always spoke so openly about his own mental health and I can’t quite put into words how much he truly is missed.”
“He was a real figurehead in York’s estate agency industry and charity world too.”
“Mental health is vitally important to try and break down the stigma of people wanting and needing to talk about their own mental health.”
Victoria Taylor (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
Victoria said the foundation’s work can make an immediate difference to people who need help.
She recalled one recent case in which someone contacted the foundation for mental health support and secured an appointment within 24 hours.
She said: “We managed to get them an appointment the next day. We work with private health companies and mental health professionals to try and bridge that gap between the services that the NHS offers and the waiting lists that sometimes come with it.”
The Charlie Dallas Lancaster Foundation charity night at Birdforth Hall (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
The foundation also helps people find support when they are struggling.
It has placed mental health support billboards across the region, including at gyms, transport stations and dentists.
Victoria said: “If we can allow people to see what support is available, that’s so important.”
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“Sometimes people know it’s mental health but don’t know how to get the help and support.”
The foundation describes Charlie as a “kind, caring devoted family man with a desire to help others” and says it is continuing the charitable work he devoted much of his adult life to.
His family hopes fundraising and support for mental health and suicide prevention groups will keep that legacy alive.
The foundation said: “Through the Charlie Dallas Lancaster Foundation, we are determined to continue his work and the legacy he has left behind.”