AN innovative fundraising event to help Thurrock Mind has been set up online by a woman who says their service meant so much to her when she was in need.

Lisanne O'Neill has started up a Just Giving page with a twist – all those who donate will be entered into a draw for a series of prizes.

Lisanne, who lives in Thurrock with husband Tom and son Thomas, is a qualified PT and fitness instructor who runs the Sweaty Mama fitness classes in South Ockendon, Grays and Chafford Hundred, explains: "I have collaborated with around 30 other Thurrock businesses to donate prizes, and collect and raise as much money as possible for Thurrock Mind.

"I personally have used them for counselling sessions, and I know others have too.

"The raffle started Saturday and the prizes are incredible and thank you to these wonderful businesses and people in Thurrock for helping a great cause.

"I've chosen this charity as they do so much to help people with mental health issues. Mental health is so important so what better way to help.

"I've set up a JustGiving page (link via the red button below) as all proceeds will automatically go to the charity, and in order of donations that will be your raffle number. So the first person to donate will be number 1, second person will be 2 etc. As and when I see donations I will message you to confirm your raffle number. Please make sure you don't leave the donation as anonymous.

"A raffle number is £5, so if you want two numbers it's £10. Gift aid is not allowed on this page as people are getting prizes in exchange for the donation."

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The raffle will close 9pm Saturday, 22 February and Lisanne says: "When the raffle closes I will randomly pick a number and if your's comes up you pick a prize, then I choose another number you pick a prize and so on until all the prizes have gone! You can also give the prize away to a friend if you'd like."