Hi, my name is Jade.

In July 2023 I lost my friend Ben to mental illness. Ben was 34, he was incredibly talented, intelligent and one of the most uplifting and encouraging people to have the pleasure of being around.

It has been an unimaginably painful and challenging year for all of Bens family and friends, and it’s been difficult muddling through life without him.

According to a 2019 study it was found that on average 135 people are affected, to varying degrees, by a person lost to suicide. With these numbers in mind it’s crucial that those affected have access to not just grief support, but specifically support that focuses on the additional emotional turmoil of a bereavement from suicide.

I signed up for grief counselling from Suicide&Co who offered support, 1 to 1 counselling sessions and a toolkit to help me cope with not only the grief but the aftermath and depression that have followed after the sudden loss of Ben. They have provided not only me, but thousands of others with help and support.

Therefore this July I am aiming to walk/run 135km (at least) to raise funds and awareness for all of the amazing work Suicide&Co do. Raising this money for Suicide&Co will enable them to provide more people with their life-saving services across the country.

Bens reach far surpasses 135 people. He was genuine, caring, cheeky, sarcastic, the master of the eye roll and the most loving and supportive person you could ever be fortunate enough to call a friend. 135 barely scratches the surface of lives Ben touched. But it’s a start.

If you want to join me for any walks throughout July hit me up on IG: jadey1138

Go raibh míle maith agaibh.