Mark Woodhouse to host Beyond Blue fundraiser in honour of late wife Dianne Mitchell

Mark Woodhouse learnt how debilitating depression can be during his marriage to his beloved late wife. Now, he’s on a mission to help others suffering.

Mark Woodhouse is hosting a fundraiser at Ocean Grove SLSC next month after his wife lost her battle with depression. Mark Woodhouse pictured Picture: Mark Wilson

Ocean Grove’s Mark Woodhouse describes his late wife Dianne Mitchell as a gregarious woman with a distinctive laugh.

But Mr Woodhouse said she had struggled with depression since she was a minor, and died aged 56 on July 3 last year.

“She used to be able to get through it and live a normal sort of life but it was always ever-present,” Mr Woodhouse said.

Mr Woodhouse and Ms Mitchell were together for eight years and married for five.

Ms Mitchell loved travelling and made friends easily, but depression could send her to a “dark place”.

Mark Woodhouse pictured with Bonwyn Spaull, who is helping the fundraiser. Picture: Mark Wilson

“I certainly learnt a lot being with her, and about how debilitating it can be,” Mr Woodhouse said.

“She did reach out to try and fix herself, but it just got her in the end.”

Since his wife’s death, the 58-year-old has faced his own struggles grappling with grief and sought counselling.

He is now on a mission to raise awareness and funds for mental health support.

Mr Woodhouse said he had learnt everybody knew someone who had been affected by depression or suicide.

Mr Woodhouse is holding an event to celebrate his wife’s life and raise funds and awareness for mental health support service Beyond Blue, which Ms Mitchell used.

The event is a bid to make something positive out of a painful situation.

Mr Woodhouse wants to show that mental illness can affect any family, and that there is no shame in talking about it.

Picture: Mark Wilson

The fundraiser will be held at Ocean Grove Surf Lifesaving Club on Saturday, July 6 from 6.30pm.

It will include music, raffles, food, informative speeches and more.

Mr Woodhouse said the local business community and Ocean Grove footy and surf lifesaving clubs had been generous and supportive.

He said it would be a great opportunity for the community to come together and celebrate a wonderful life while recognising an important cause.

Tickets can be purchased online via eventbrite.

If you need help, you can contact Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636 or Lifeline on 13 11 14

Originally published as Mark Woodhouse to host Beyond Blue fundraiser in honour of late wife Dianne Mitchell