A MAKE up artist who has opened up about her battle with depression for the first time has tripled her fundraising goal.

Michelle Palmer, who has been backed by former Emmerdale actor Roxanne Pallett, has raised more than £940 for the Vale of Clywd Mind mental health charity by telling her story to more than 100 people at the Llinegar Inn, near Prestatyn.

Miss Palmer also followed up the event on Saturday, October 12 with a hike up Snowdon where she - and a group 11 walkers - raised a further £900.

Miss Palmer, 33 of Flint said: "It went really well and was such a successful day - to triple my original goal of £600 and be able to hand that money over to Mind is so overwhelming.

"More than that, as someone who wouldn't go out the door because of my anxiety, to then hike Snowdon was as amazing an achievement for me."

The ability to share her story with a crowd of people has been a remarkable turnaround for Miss Palmer.

After diagnosed last Christmas with severe depression, Miss Palmer has received care at the Heddfan psychiatric unit at Wrexham Maelor, regular counselling at the Seabank surgery in Prestatyn and has completed a three week programme of home treatment on the NHS, while taking a course of anti-depressants.

Miss Palmer added: "My counsellor from Seabank kindly introduced the event by speaking about depression and how well I'm growing as person. I could not speak in front of lot people so I did a video

"There were floods of emotions and tears, and when my story ended everyone was clapping and saying how brave and strong I am. It was so emotional even I broke down.

"This has now got few other people to open up and I've received so many positive messages from people I don't even know. I feel so proud of myself."

Among those lauding Miss Palmer was Miss Pallett, who has spoken openly about the effect on her mental health following the 'punchgate' drama on 2018's Celebrity Big Brother and has developed a friendship with her over Instagram.

In a recorded video played at the event, Miss Pallett said: "I wanted to send my love and support for Chelle's fundraising for Mind. It's such an important charity and cause. I think mental health is something we should all be talking about it affects all of us in so many ways thank you for your compassion and support. I'm so proud of you."

Miss Palmer will now follow the event by volunteering for Mind, as well as planning monthly hikes with other people who live with depression.