In March 2021, my sister Amelia ended her life via suicide aged just 35. She had two children Cora who was 3 at the time and Lilah who was only 7 months old. Tragically with limited opportunities to see each other during lockdowns, I didn't spot the signs that Amelia was struggling with post-natal depression and medical complications from childbirth. Her suicide was an enormous shock to me and everyone who knew her.

Amelia was a brilliant mum to the two girls and in a loving relationship with their dad Nick. Professionally, she was a successful production manager and editor, working on film and TV productions including Oscar winner The White Helmets. Friends all speak of her kindness and generosity and how caring and loving she was to everyone. Her death has impacted a huge number of people and highlights how mental health difficulties and suicidal thoughts can affect anyone and are often hard for friends and families to spot.

I entered the ballot for the London Marathon not expecting to win a place, but when I did, I wanted to use it to raise awareness of the risk of suicide, the tools that can help prevent it, and to generate funds for a charity working to prevent suicide. As a ballot place, the place in the marathon didn't cost anything, meaning more money for the charity.

PAPYRUS is the national Charity for the Prevention of Young Suicide. Suicide is the biggest killer of young people under the age of 35 in the UK, in 2018 over 1800 young people like my sister took their own lives. 

PAPYRUS provides confidential support and advice to young people struggling with thoughts of suicide, and anyone worried about a young person through their helpline, HOPELINEUK. Every £5 raised can help pay for a lifesaving contact to HOPELINEUK. 

Visit their website for advice and resources, including free online training to help you know how to identify the signs that someone may be suicidal and what to do about it. www.papyrus-uk.org

We've set up a website in Amelia's memory, which shares her story and provides access to free suicide awareness training. There's also links to organisations providing support and advice. www.ameliafranklin.co.uk/