The remarkable story of how kindness saved a Harrogate woman's life

The smallest acts of kindness can save lives - holding the power to rescue someone from their darkest of moments, and even helping them to fall in love with life again.

At 20 years old, Harrogate woman Chloe Bellerby understands more than most just how transformative kindness can be - only three years ago, Chloe was self-harming every day and didn’t see a reason for living, but it was kindness that saved her.

Chloe’s PE teacher at Rossett School, Ricky O’Sullivan, noticed she had lost her spark, and his kind words and encouragement to open up about her feelings proved to be a critical intervention at a time when she had been planning another attempt at taking her own life.

Now, Chloe shares her own messages of hope and support on a dedicated Facebook page, Chloe Bellerby Mental Health, which is a beacon of kindness around the world - quite literally, as she currently resides in New Jersey, pursuing her dreams by completing a prestigious football scholarship alongside her university studies.

Chloe has walked 220 miles from Leeds to London in the past to raise funds for Mind mental health charity, and has delivered inspirational talks in schools across the Harrogate district to share her story and help other young people who are suffering in silence.

Not only that, Chloe has played an integral role in bringing mental health charity Active Minds onto her university campus, making mental health a priority issue - she is also organising a walkathon to raise awareness, maintaining an amazing get-up-and-go attitude despite being dealt the devastating blow of a multiple sclerosis diagnosis last year.

Harrogate resident Jordan Filtness is among the followers of Chloe’s Facebook page - she said reading Chloe’s daily words of inspiration has made a massive difference to her life. Jordan said: “Chloe helps me on a daily basis, whenever I see her post something on social media or doing all the fundraising she is doing, it reminds me that there is so much good in the world and lifts me up even without knowing it.

“Chloe is someone who has gone through so much pain and suffering, yet she has managed to work her way through it all. Through her positive mindset, motivational talks and constant reminders on social media, she has completely changed my outlook on life. She was one of the first people who really made me aware that it is OK not to be OK, but there is always light at the end of the tunnel.

“She taught me that there are positives in every day, but it’s OK if you are not positive every day. Chloe is also the most giving and loving person. She carries the most amazing smile which is just infectious, and no matter what, she will always be there checking on you and others around her. A little act of kindness when someone is in their darkest moment can save someone’s life.

"It reminds people that they are loved, appreciated and wanted in the world. It can take them away from their lowest point and hardest thoughts, giving them a glimpse of hope.

“I do think that kindness is under-appreciated, but it can have the biggest impact on a person’s life. A small act of kindness could be the turning point for someone’s mental health, and when we add all of these little acts of kindness together we make a huge impact.”

Chloe said: “You never know what another person is going through, the thoughts they are having or the things they are battling. It is so incredibly important to be kind to one another.

“In a world that has so much hate and cruelty, being kind to each other can make all the difference. I think many underestimate the power of kindness, and the positive effect it can have on a person’s mental health. Every day you have the power to impact a person in a positive way, or make their day better - why wouldn’t you want to do that?

“Having struggled with mental illness for around nine years, I appreciate every small gesture, every nice word, because it really made such a huge difference for me.”

'Be kind’ - How we can all help

Having experienced first-hand the power of kindness, Chloe is determined to devote her life to making a difference to others around the world however she can, even in just a small but meaningful way.

Chloe said: “I know how scary, isolating and lonely it can be to feel as though your life is not worth living, to feel as though you would be better off dead than alive. I know there are people out there who are battling with their own minds every day, in silence.

"I want these people to know that what they are going through isn’t forever. I wanted to turn an incredibly difficult period of my life into a positive one by showing others that just because you hit rock bottom, doesn’t mean you have to stay there. I wish no one had to feel the way I did, but if I can help just one person by sharing my story then my job is done.

"There is a quote I love - ‘in a world where you can be anything, be kind.’ Don’t think about doing something kind, actually do it. You will never regret being kind to someone, it has a ripple effect. It’s the easiest thing in the world to be kind.”

Chloe sets sights on future plans to grow support

Chloe has organised a walkathon at her university - Sussex County Community College, New Jersey - where all the students on campus, staff members and the wider community will be involved in raising awareness of mental health.

Chloe was appointed president of the Student Athletic Council and has been successful in bringing US charity Active Minds on to campus, working with the rest of the student council and other partners.

Chloe said: “Starting a conversation, checking in on friends, family and peers is something we do not always do enough. Life is busy, and we sometimes forget to look after one another – the walkathon on April 19 will start conversations and will make a difference.

“I want mental illness to be a normal conversation, I want people to be able to talk about the way they are feeling openly, and I want people to be educated about it. I want to reach as many people as possible, and whether that is in Harrogate, or in America, it is extremely important to me.

“I nearly lost my life to mental illness, and I want my story to inspire others. Talking saves lives. I have fallen in love with being alive again, and I want to make a difference every single day, even if it is just to one person’s life.”