As May is Mental Health Awareness Month, I had an idea to write a letter each day to a person, or group of people that have had an impact on my own personal health. The first portion of the month has been delayed, however I hope that I will catch up and there will be a daily post. Thank You for taking the time to read these and I appreciate any comments or support you can provide on each post.

Please remember that if you are struggling with your health, both physical or mental, there may be some triggers in these letters-please seek support if you find these letters trigger any distress. Look after yourself!!

Letter 6 – To the Teacher that changed my life.

Not many people say they loved ‘Religious’ classes at school, but I did – actually I Loved them!! Apart from the negative aspects of secondary school like bullying, I loved going to school. Many of my teachers I looked up to but there was one teacher that really inspired and helped me –  if that teacher was still here today I would thank her for saving my life.

If you spoke to anyone that knew Miss Bedwyr they would say she was an amazing and inspiring person and that she was a great teacher who really loved helping others, as well as keeping fit running, skiing and I believe she did marathons also. There was also many fantastic outfits and several brightly coloured and patterned pairs of tights.

Not many people, if anyone, knew about the help I received from Miss Bedwyr. Miss Bedwyr knew about my bullies, my eating disorders and knew about some of the events and abuse that I had been through in my life. Even though I denied self-harm, she knew I had self-harmed in the past (cannot really hide scars!!) and knew what to say. Miss B (as we called her) provided advice, guidance and support as well as giving me career advice and suggested reading for pursuing Religious Education. I remember visiting the University in West Wales and listening to stories about where Miss B lived during her studies and spending the day on campus discussing Religious and Theological Studies.

Unfortunately, Miss Bedwyr passed away on August 4th, 2009 due to an accident in Cardiff. I think I would have pursued my career in Religious Education if this had not happened, although I do still enjoy learning about Religion, it hurt too much to actually study and pursue full time. Miss Bedwyr was the type of person that would be proud and enthusiastic, no matter the outcome.

It has been nearly 9 years since Miss B’s passing but thank you for helping me and giving me life-changing support and guidance. Thank You for helping me to see me and look past my circumstances. Thank You for being that person to speak to, even if it meant us eating lunch in your classroom or skipping lunch all together!! You were such a kind and inspiring person. Without your support I may have ended my life before the age of 18.

Diolch / Thank You