Coach Hosts 24-Hour Livestream for Mental Health Charity

After burning out as a senior HR director, Kim Stokes is turning her recovery into a marathon fundraiser that could help thousands struggling with their mental health.

The 44-year-old founder of Kindness for Success will host a 24-hour livestream from May 11-12, bringing together leading authors and wellbeing experts to raise money for mental health charity Mind. The #24forKindness event runs during Mental Health Awareness Week and features speakers like Gifty Enright, Julie Smith, and Graham Allcott discussing practical ways to build self-kindness into daily life.

Stokes knows firsthand how "success" can mask silent struggles. "On paper, I was successful," she says. "But I was exhausted, anxious, and at the bottom of my own priority list."

After redundancy forced a reset, she retrained and launched her coaching business to support overwhelmed working mothers before they reach crisis point. Her message challenges the bubble bath stereotype of self-care.

"Self-kindness is not all bubble baths and spa days," Stokes explains. "It's boundaries, rest, honest self-talk and redefining success on your own terms."

Why This Inspires

This livestream proves that the hardest personal challenges can become our greatest gifts to others. Stokes transformed her lowest point into a mission to prevent others from hitting the same wall.

The event nearly doubles the 15-hour stream she hosted in 2024, which raised £2,000 for Mind. This year's extended format shows how recovery isn't just about healing yourself but building something bigger than your pain.

The conversations happening across those 24 hours tackle a crucial gap in how we talk about wellbeing. "We talk openly about physical health, but mental wellbeing needs the same everyday attention," Stokes notes.

The livestream runs from 6am to midnight on May 11, then 8am to 2pm on May 12. All funds support Mind's work helping people experiencing mental health challenges across the UK.

One woman's burnout is becoming a beacon for anyone who's ever put themselves last while checking every box of "success."