Jennie's page
Jennie Longden is raising money for Survivors Of Bereavement By Suicide
In memory of Jack Clarke
Story
Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide (SOBS) is a charity who have supported me and my family during the most difficult of times. The wonderful people who run the charity have also been affected by suicide, so they all know first hand what a person may be feeling; having someone to talk to who can truly empathise is very comforting. SOBS have a booklet of support, a website including a place for people to read and post testimonies/ poems, support groups/ meetings, annual support days and residential weekends, a national support phone line, a newsletter and they also promote and strive to improve public awareness:
'We know it happens so let’s talk'
On the 2nd August 2011 Rob (Jack's dad), my step dad and all Jack's family and friends received the devastating news that Jack chose to end his life, the times that followed were indescribable, we know things will never be the same.
Jack loved his music, he loved writing music, he played the bass guitar and the drums. Jack was in a band called Astro Circus, his friends and band mates recently dedicated their first album to him.
'Our beloved brother who was taken suddenly from us, without him none of this would have ever been possible, we hope this album helps preserve his memory'.
Jack went to Ossett Sixth form, whilst working at Sainsbury's in Wakefield. He studied for a place at Manchester Met University and achieved an A,B and a C, which would have got him straight in to uni.
Jack was a truly beautiful person both on the inside and out.
Jack hid his feelings so well, we will always ask that question 'why?'
A year has passed and we continue to try and find things to keep us strong, taking it day by day. We have received so much support, love and kindness, which we are very grateful for.
SOBS were one of the first support networks I went to, much of what happened is a 'blur' but I remember the lady I spoke to helped me at that moment to breath and feel strong enough to support my family and what felt like a community of people who were shaken by this sad news.
I want to do this to for a few reasons; I want to have a new challenge, something for us to focus on.
I hope to raise awareness to the fact that suicide does happen, to show people it is ok talk about suicide. I want to encourage people to talk. Please don't keep things bottled up, just say it and I can promise that you will find someone who will listen, if not at first then try again.
I want to say “thank you” to everyone, for keeping strong, for understanding, for being there for each other and a big “thank you” to Jack's amazing friends; you really have done Jack so proud.
I regret so many things and make many wishes, but realise there is nothing I can change, so most of all,I want to do this for Jack and our family.
Me and some of my friends are now walking the peaks on the 11th May 2013!!!!
Thank you for any support you can give