On 10th September, we observe World Suicide Prevention Day. 🤍

This year, that same date marks a decade since my friend, Lizzie, took her own life.

We were 14 years old at the time.

We often think of suicide as something that happens to one person. From experience, I've seen it's very much something that happens not just to the individual but to their community and loved ones, near and far.

Lizzie was caring, musical, and fun to be around 💜

It feels unjust she left this world so early, particularly as death from Depression is preventable in most cases.

That's why, this September, I'm doing a skydive to fundraise for PAPYRUS - the national charity for the prevention of young suicide.

This fundraiser is in memory of Lizzie, in honour of the 1800 young people who take their own lives each year in the UK, and in solidarity with those who have lost a loved one in this heartbreaking way.

Grateful for any donation big or small. Thank you for your support.

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Raising money for:

PAPYRUS 🤍

PAPYRUS provides confidential support and advice to young people struggling with thoughts of suicide through their helpline HOPELINEUK247, which can be accessed via phone, text or email.

They also provide resources for anyone who has been bereaved by suicide or who is worried about a young person. On a wider scale, they work to influence suicide-prevention legislation in the UK.

Every £10 supports one person’s use of HOPELINEUK247. By donating to PAPYRUS, you are truly changing lives.

https://www.papyrus-uk.org

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Raising awareness of:

Lizzie's Legacy 💜

Following her passing, it was found that amongst the pressures of being a teenager, Lizzie was afraid to tell her family she was gay and she was unable to reconcile her sexuality with her Christian faith.

From their place of grief, Lizzie’s family, with the support of the church, created the charity “Lizzie’s Legacy”.

At the heart of this work is one simple principle:

We should all love each other as we are, not how we would like to be or how others would like us to be.

Learn more here: https://lizzielowe.org

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All donations to this fundraiser will go to PAPYRUS.

If you are experiencing thoughts of self-harm, suicide, or are concerned about someone you know, support is available:

HOPELINEUK247 - for those under the age of 35 or anyone worried about someone else.

Call: 0800 068 4141

Text: 88247

Email: pat@papyrus-uk.org