YORK business people will support a local mental health charity at an annual event.

This year’s York Professionals annual dinner has announced its support of York Mind, which supports people with mental health issues in the city.

The event provides a chance for business people in the city to get together and celebrate with professional services members and other local businesses.

Guest speaker Simon Bourne, of The Hand Dyed Shoe Co, will share his inspirational story, talking about his personal journey, how he found the courage to get his business off the ground and the challenges he has faced along the way.

Despite battling his own inner demons, Simon will share his thoughts and observations of entrepreneurship, talking candidly about his daily journey to continually deliver the best in all he does and how he has achieved success out of an ambition that came from a love of shoes.

Simon said: “My business was born from nothing more than a mad idea and while I’ve learnt a lot over the years about business, my feet are firmly on the ground, albeit in very nice shoes.”

York Professionals chair, Michelle Mook, said: “We are delighted to be supporting York Mind through out fundraising efforts.

“Last year we raised funds in support of YP member, Catherine Adamson, who was raising money for local charities SASH and The Island.

“We are keen to continue this by helping raise awareness of mental health and show our support for this worthy charity.

“The YP annual dinner is always a highlight of the business calendar and I’m sure everyone will be able to relate to Simon’s inspirational story.

“I guarantee there won’t be a dry eye in the room!”

The black tie event takes places in The Dante Suite at York Racecourse on Wednesday, May 22.

Guests will be treated to a four-course dinner with live music and comedy.

Tickets for the evening are available by searching York Professionals on eventbrite.co.uk

Through the support of local businesses donating tombola prizes ranging from afternoon tea, attraction tickets, gift vouchers and the provision of free professional business services, monies raised on the night will go to York Professionals chosen charity York Mind, an independent provider of high quality mental health services in York and the surrounding area.

York Professionals champions the role and contribution of the professional service sector to help York become recognised as a leading centre for business and enterprise.