Cumbrian suicide prevention charity Every Life Matters will hold its second Stride Against Suicide fundraising run later this year.
It will be held on September 28 at Fell Foot, Windermere, and teams of five will run or walk as many laps as they can.
The charity said: “Stride is a run with a difference because we can all make a difference. It’s not just about winning and being the fastest, but about working together, supporting each other, and cheering on your teammates.
“It’s about starting conversations and breaking the stigma surrounding mental health and suicide while raising vital funds for suicide prevention training and bereavement support for individuals and families who have lost a loved one to suicide.”
Every runner can choose who they are running for. This could be someone lost to suicide, or to show support for someone living with thoughts of suicide. The event is set up in partnership with the National Trust and the team from Fell Foot. There will be music, refreshments, and a variety of prizes for the most laps completed.
Last year’s run saw 250 people take part and raise money in memory of a loved one.
Competitors completed a total of 1,410 laps, showing that every lap matters because Every Life Matters.
This year, the charity is expecting even more participants by offering bus transport from Carlisle and Penrith and is opening the run to families with children aged five and older able to take part.
Stride Against Suicide 2024 raised over £10,000, with all money going directly into the work the charity does in Cumbria, including free suicide prevention training for the wider community, personal bereavement support, and the Suicide Safer School programme of Every Life Matters that has been rolled out in Cumbrian secondary schools.
Nina Porter, of Every Life Matters, said: “Our vision is a society where suicide is openly talked about and where people get the support they need when they reach out. To achieve that, we all need to do something.
“For this particular event, we are calling on Cumbrian businesses to support us, either as sponsors or by encouraging their employees to take part. They can get involved in not just a run, but a movement.”
Businesses wanting to join them in their cause and show support for suicide prevention in Cumbria can contact Nina via nina.porter@every-life-matters.org.uk.
