Hi, I’m Amrita,

On Saturday 21st September 2024 I’m walking the Haylie Brae Summit in Scotland in aid of ‘National Suicide Prevention Month’ raising money for the Samaritans Charity in memory of my close friend Martin Warnes who sadly recently passed away in August after a long battle with his mental health.

Martin dedicated 37 years of his life to Public Service, including the Ministry of Defence, Royal Air Force, Territorial Army, London Ambulance Service, NHS, Hampshire Constabulary and the Metropolitan Police Service. As well as doing a full time job in policing Martin volunteered 27 years for St John’s Ambulance, 9 years for the London Ambulance, the Military Reserve and you’d often see him out supporting the Royal British Legions Poppy Appeal.

He will be greatly missed by many. I’m walking to remember Martin, to reflect on his valuable contribution and to help raise awareness on suicide.

1 in 4 Emergency Services Workers have thought about ending their lives due to work related stress, post-traumatic stress or poor mental health (Source: Mind) Every 90 minutes someone in the UK dies by suicide, 1.5 UK Police Officers die by suicide every month. This National Suicide Prevention Month, I aim to remember them. With Martin’s Family’s blessing, I’m walking to remember Martin, and all of our fallen colleagues who have lost their lives before their time.

Haylie Brae Summit is 600 feet above Sea Level. Now, I know it’s no Ben Nevis! but for me it’s a personal challenge. In 2017 I was diagnosed with a debilitating disability and suffer from chronic fatigue and musculoskeletal pain (among many other symptoms) Some days are better than others, but on those not-so-good days, the Samaritans have always been there to help me pick myself back up.

You don’t have to feel suicidal to call the Samaritans. They’re there for everyone no matter what your circumstances. They’re ready to provide immediate emotional support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days per year.

Living with long term disabilities can take its toll over time, whether that’s a physical disability or psychological disability like Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Nationally 1 in 5 Officers are diagnosed with PTSD or Complex PTSD (Source: Police Care UK)

If you’ve been affected by suicide and/or mental health and want to do something that makes a real difference, please sponsor me and donate to the Samaritans Charity

Every 10 Seconds a Samaritan takes a call for help

£41.66 could keep Samaritans phone lines open for 5 minutes

£75 could help us respond to 15 calls for help

£200 could cover the cost of recruiting and training a new volunteer

Let’s work together to help prevent suicide by supporting our incredible Samaritans Charity in honour of our friend and colleague Martin Warnes.

Thank you