WARRINGON-based national suicide prevention charity, PAPYRUS, marked the tenth year of its flagship fundraising event with a walk in Warrington, today, Thursday, October 5th.
PAPYRUS Prevention of Young Suicide launched the first HOPEWALK in 2013 around World Mental Health Awareness Day in October.
The event was an opportunity to gather friends, family and neighbours to raise awareness and funds for suicide prevention or to honour the memory of a lost loved-one.
HOPEWALKS now take place in multiple locations across the UK throughout October including London, Glasgow, Cardiff, Birmingham and Northern Ireland.
The aim of the walk was to smash stigma around suicide and start conversations about suicide prevention in communities.
Vicki Dutton, PAPYRUS Community Fundraising Manager said: “This year is a wonderful milestone for our annual flagship event HOPEWALK, as it’s our 10th year!
“We’ve seen a huge increase in support for our HOPEWALKS across the country and Warrington is no different. Two of our ‘3 Dads Walking’ fundraisers – Andy Airey and Mike Palmer will be joining us along with Warrington Mayor Steve Wright. We may even have a visit from Wolves mascot Wolfie!
“The support from the Warrington community has been great this year, with the route of our walk including a lap around Warrington Wolves stadium and other community groups and businesses joining us too.
“Our hope with these events is that we can spread awareness of PAPYRUS and HOPELINE247 around the town of Warrington which is where our head office is based, so the local community know they can reach out to HOPELINE247 should they or anyone they care about need us.”
The Warrington HOPEWALK will start on the 5th October at 12:30pm, from Bank Park, Warrington, WA1 1UH. For more information, email [email protected]
For practical, confidential suicide prevention help and advice please contact PAPYRUS HOPELINE247 on 0800 068 4141, text 07860 039967 or email [email protected]
3 Dads Walking – Tim Owen, Mike Palmer and Andy Airey
