Tell us about yourself
I am Ian Clarkson more commonly known known as Bear. I am 69 years old, a retired Civil Engineer and now living happily in Cornwall. Although retired I am still very busy as I feel that I am at the stage of life where I want to give back to the world the benefits of my experience, to help others on their life journeys. I am a participant in several help groups where I share my life stories that hopefully resonate with some and give support. I also love art and craftwork.
Why are you fundraising for YoungMinds?
I was writing a book and I wanted to give maximum benefit to mental health. The words were hopefully one benefit but decided to also donate a proportion of the proceeds to charity. I didn’t know where to donate to, so spoke to my daughter in law Tammy, who is a qualified and experienced child psychologist and also Co Founder of the Children's Wellness Centre's in the South East. Upon asking her advice she had no hesitation in recommending YoungMinds.
I have written a children’s story book called The Bear That Found His Way that is based upon my own life. The book is not only a fun lifetime adventure but is woven around mental wellbeing. It sows seeds of important life messages for young listeners but also stimulates self-reflection for older readers, regardless of age. A percentage of the sale of every copy will be donated to help YoungMinds. The book is available to buy now from Amazon.
What three words best describe you?
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Childlike
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Supportive
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Genuine
Why is mental health important to you?
I have experienced several mental health challenges in my lifetime with dramatic transformations. The experiences and subsequent treatments have really opened my eyes to unnecessary circumstances that stimulate the start of challenges in others.
I also discovered in my case that the key factors were unknowingly shaped during childhood. I hopefully now use these experiences, where appropriate to support others who may be following a similar path.
Meet more of our fundraisers
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Imo became the youngest female to run the length of the UK in just 22 days. Starting on 19 June, she ran 60km per day, arriving in Lands End on 10 July.
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Duke of Kent School took part in #HelloYellow on World Mental Health Day 2022.
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Matty is one of our young Activists running the Great North Run on the 7th of September 2025.
