WILTSHIRE inventor Tom Lawton donated £1,000 from the sale of his latest creation to the Sea Sanctuary

The founder of Uplifting Products pledged earlier this year to donate £10 from every sale of the Uplift 2.0 to the Cornwall-based mental health and wellbeing charity.

His invention is a solar powered sculpture designed to sit on a windowsill and gently revolve in the light, with a design inspired by the ocean and the motion of the waves. It is made from recycled fishing nets, powered by a solar panel and aims to relax the mind.

“Sea Sanctuary provides invaluable support to vulnerable people via their unique concept of ‘blue health’. What they do is truly remarkable and we’re proud to be able to donate £1,000 to them on World Mental Health Day.

“Mental wellbeing is important at all times but the evidence shows that during this pandemic, mental health issues have spiked dramatically, making it even more important to our bit to support those who work tirelessly to help those in mental health difficulty.”

The charity provides mental health programmes by taking their clients out on to the water with a mix of sail training, marine activities and evidence-based therapies to help children and adults who are struggling with stress, anxiety, depression.

CEO and founder Joe Sabien said: “Tom’s willingness to support our charity is particularly kind, in the current pandemic and is very much appreciated by the entire team. The monies gifted are forming the basis of The Uplift Bursary which will fund a four-day residential Sail into Life Programme, for six client sailors.

“Our programme is rooted in a concept which draws on the beneficial effects that access to blue spaces such as the sea is beneficial for our mental health.

“By combining evidence-based therapies with marine-based activities, we provide an invigorating sense of adventure along with the help and support people require to build and sustain emotional resilience and an improved level of wellbeing.

“It has proven to be a unique recipe for success that has helped hundreds of people improve their health. This donation will enable us to support more vulnerable people who greatly need our help. Thank you.”

For every Uplift 2.0 sold on Tom’s website beuplifted.co.uk £10 will be donated to the charity.