My Story

Last September my 17yr old stepson, Leo, took his own life. We knew he had his struggles but thought that we were at last on the way up. He was about to start his final year of sixth form with the prospect of university ahead. It was a moment that devastated our lives.

This year has been tougher than anything I have known before. His death affected every part of our lives; past, present, and future. It was a time of feeling lost and overwhelmed. Somehow, we have come through this far and without doubt we are indebted to the care, kindness, and dedication of others. Suicide&Co seeks to provide much needed support to people who are having to walk the same path.

Just a week after Leo died he and I had planned to walk the eastern part of the Ridgeway National Trail. World Suicide Prevention Day and the Suicide&Co 34k challenge fall on the equivalent day this year. It seems fitting that I walk 34k starting at Ivinghoe Beacon and follow the route we would have taken and finish at The Lions pub in Bledlow.

The estimated number of people directly bereaved by suicide a year is 34,146. Suicide&Co set up the 34k Challenge to raise awareness and to raise funds to help those who have been bereaved by suicide access their Counselling Services.

The aim is for 34 challengers to fundraise £1000. This will provide Suicide&Co with £34,000 and enable them to provide 1133 counselling sessions to people bereaved by suicide!

I am pleased, and a little daunted, to take on the challenge and play a part in providing support to all who have been directly affected by suicide.