A young Halesowen woman is more than half way to her £20,000 fundraising target – just through the power of social media and some good rugby contacts.

Megan Stevens, a 22-year-old school receptionist, is a big Harlequins rugby fan and has built up a number of contacts among players, clubs and fans.

It has helped her put together some prizes to auction off on her JustGiving page, using her Twitter account to highlight what’s on offer and setting deadlines for her auctions.

The money she raises goes to the national Young Minds mental health charity, which Megan chose after suffering with anxiety in her teenage years.

“I felt extremely isolated from my friends, family and the world in general, to be honest.

“It was after I left my mainstream school and was referred for counselling that I realised just how lonely suffering from a mental illness can be.

“People started to become fed up with my ‘excuses’ not to go places and I was too embarrassed to say why.

“It was after that, after speaking to my GP and several counsellors that I really wanted to do something to help.

“I’m lucky that I have amazing friends and have always had amazing family around me but not everyone has that. That’s why I wanted to help Young Minds!

“They do amazing work with young people and their families. It’s so important that young people and their families are supported and feel that they have somewhere to turn because too often family are making speeches at loved ones funerals instead of listening to how they feel.

“I’m a huge rugby fan. I used my Twitter account to directly speak to Rugby players, fans and those involved with rugby to see if they could help. I’ve been so lucky to receive such kind donations! Signed shirt, boots, flags. To date we’ve raised £11,400 with a current auction item up and at £75.”

For Megan’s fundraising page click here