This summer, I decided to enter a 10k walk (The South West Coast 50 Challenge 2024) to support a cause I care about. I chose the UK-based charity PAPYRUS: Prevention of Young Suicide, which runs a free confidential support line for young people struggling with thoughts of suicide. The organization also offers educational resources and training for suicide prevention. I chose this charity after looking closely at the work of a few dozen different options, and really believe in the effectiveness of what they're doing!

I've lost two family members to suicide, and both of them are missed every single day. I've also nearly lost several other loved ones who I can't imagine my life without, including members of my family and best friends. When I was a teenager, I was in a state of constant anxiety about the possible loss of loved ones to suicide -- worrying about trying to "save" the people I cared about, yet as a kid myself, completely ill-equipped to understand depression or suicidal ideation. In recent years, I've experienced my own dips in mental health, and feel lucky to have had the tools and support I needed to get through some scary low points.

I'm really glad charities like this one exist to help people who are struggling, and to educate people like me, who have found themselves at a loss about how to help keep their loved ones safe. I hope you'll help me reach my goal of 100 pounds ($125) before I walk my first 10k on August 3rd!

I'll continue sharing this fundraiser link every time I train for the walk. Thank you for the support!

Here's more from PAPYRUS:

PAPYRUS is the national Charity for the Prevention of Young Suicide.

Suicide is the biggest killer of young people under the age of 35 in the UK, every year over 1800 young people took their own lives. PAPYRUS provides confidential support and advice to young people struggling with thoughts of suicide, and anyone worried about a young person through their helpline, HOPELINE247.

Every £5 raised can contribute towards a life-saving contact to HOPELINE247. Your donations really are lifesaving, thank you.