Suicide is the biggest killer of young people – male & female – under 35 in the UK.

Every year thousands of young people attempt or contemplate suicide, harm themselves or suffer alone, afraid to speak openly about how they are feeling.

As a family we sadly know only too well the devastation of suicide. Our beautiful nephew Cooper took his own life in October 2019, aged just 17 years old - and forever shattered the lives of all those who loved him.

Many children and young people are suffering in silence without the vital help and support they need – over 200 school children are lost to suicide every year. Talking about it will save lives. And that’s why I’m supporting PAPYRUS - the national Charity for the Prevention of Young Suicide - who exist to reduce the number of young people who take their own lives by shattering the stigma around suicide and equipping young people and their communities with the skills to recognise & respond to suicidal behaviour.

Running the London Marathon will be a huge challenge for me, both physically and mentally but knowing that I’m fundraising for such an important charity, and in memory of Cooper keeps me putting one foot in front of the other in my training, and I hope the support of the crowds and my family and friends will get me through the 26 miles on Sunday 2^nd October. 

Thanks to Buxton Water for the opportunity to compete in this 'bucket list' event - I was chosen as one of 8 winners of the 'Rise Up' competition.

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 life-saving contact to HOPELINEUK. Your donations really are lifesaving, thank you.