EIGHTEEN people teamed up to create a beach mandala to raise awareness of a charity's work.

In light of the celebrations of Growing Well's 20th anniversary, local artist Simon Wheatley, staff and volunteers used rakes to create the the large mandala design in the sand at Bardsea Beach on Sunday (August 11).

The project of approximately 50 meters in diameter involved 18 people and took over five hours to be completed, according to Mr Wheatley who has been a long-standing supporter of the charity.

When asked how it felt to see the finished product he said: "Big smiles. You work so hard. 

"I am always like 'wow' that is looking well.

"It is very hard work and it was too hot."

A drone shot of the mandala created in the sandA drone shot of the mandala created in the sand (Image: Simon Wheatley)

The artist, who is known for his beach creations, said this was not his largest sand art, with the biggest being 100 meters which took him two days to complete.

This artistic project intended to raise awareness of the charity which supports individuals with mental health recovery. 

Rebecca Batstone, of Growing Well, said: "Growing Well are hugely grateful to our supporters who gave up their day on Sunday to pick up a rake and work with Simon to produce an amazing piece of beach art in the form of a beautiful mandala design.

"This is just one event in our 2024 calendar of fundraising events to raise awareness of our charity and the wonderful work we do. We have been supporting individuals across Cumbria and North Lancashire for twenty years and these events and the fundraising associated with them will hopefully ensure that we continue to be able to provide our much needed mental health support free of charge to anyone who needs us in the future."

The team that created the MandelaThe team that created the mandala (Image: Simon Wheatley) Between June 2023 and June 2024, the Low Sizergh-based charity has supported over 200 individuals with their mental health recovery on its organic farm near Kendal with beneficiaries attending one day per week for up to a year.

They have also welcomed more than 150 volunteers over the same time period.

They have a Just Giving page for individuals to donate to their 20th-anniversary campaign. To donate visit the site here.