A woman who co-founded a Macclesfield charity selected to be a Batonbearer in the prestigious Birmingham 2022 Queen's Baton Relay. 

Ruth Williams, 42, co-founded Smile Group, a charity in East Cheshire that benefits from money raised by Sport Relief, to support parents who are experiencing perinatal mental health challenges by offering group support, talk therapy, wellbeing walks and home visits.

To recognise and celebrate Ruth's passion and dedication to making a difference in her community, she has been nominated to carry The Queen's Baton as it travels through England this summer ahead of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.

Ruth will be carrying the Baton through Northwich on Sunday 17 July. 

Ruth is raring to go, as she will hold the Baton in Cheshire this weekend.

On being invited to join the Relay, Ruth said: "I felt a bit embarrassed to start with, but it's really nice for people to have been so kind about me and the work I do. Even to be nominated is an honour, I'm speechless, and so pleased and honoured. 

"My eldest daughter will definitely be in my mind as I run with the Baton as she started my whole journey with Smile, so I'll be thinking about her and my family, as well as all the families we've supported over the years." 

Ruth struggled with her mental health in the weeks after giving birth to her first daughter.

"At one point, she stood on a bridge wondering if she could carry on.

Ruth shines in action during her day job, helping young families through perinatal mental health challenges.

"When she sought help, she felt there was a gap in community support services in East Cheshire for people with maternal mental health issues. This first-hand experience led her to create Smile Group. 

Ruth said: "I didn't want anyone to have to go through what I had gone through, I wanted there to be a place any parent could turn to for help and support, and someone else to talk to.

"The reality of being a new parent is that it can be isolating and lonely and people can have thoughts like 'I don't know if I can do this', or 'I'm not sure I love my baby' – we provide a space where you can have those kinds of conversations." 

Smile Group rely on public donations, with Macclesfield businesses such as The Picturedrome raising a couple hundred pounds a month for them, just through selling food.

Perinatal mental health problems affect between 10 to 20% of women during pregnancy and the first year after having a baby, according to GOV.UK.

She added: "It's such a good feeling when you know you've been able to support someone and make a real difference. It's amazing to think you can change people's lives like that." 

The Macclesfield good cause holds sessions for families every Friday.

Mum-of-two Ruth founded Smile Group with her friend Natalie Nuttall.

Both mums had first-hand experience of perinatal mental health challenges, and identified a gap in community support.

Macclesfield's Smile Group was founded in 2011. (Image - Smile Group)

Having been on a 294-day journey, visiting all nations and territories of the Commonwealth, the Baton will be touring the host nation of England, finishing in the host city of Birmingham, where it will take a central role in the Opening Ceremony on at the end of the month.

Samir Patel, Chief Executive of Comic Relief, says: "It's a huge honour for Ruth to be a part of the Birmingham 2022 Queen's Baton Relay and we are so proud of her."

"This Relay not only marks the start of an incredible summer of sport, it is also an example of how sport has the power to unite and connect people across the UK and the globe. 

"It is fantastic that Sport Relief is a charity partner of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. Together, with the help of the amazing British public, we're hoping to raise life-changing funds to tackle inequality, improve mental health and help young people to survive and thrive." 

Sport Relief, who nominated the Macclesfield woman, is an official charity partner of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, which start on July 28.

While not being carried by Ruth, the closest the Baton will get to passing through Macclesfield will be in neighbouring town Buxton.

You can learn more about Smile Group on their website.

See Also: The Picturedrome pizzeria Honest Crust raise hundreds for Macclesfield's Smile Group

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