💙 OUT OF THE SHADOWS — 18KM FOR SUICIDE PREVENTION 💙

For the second year in a row, I’m stepping out of the shadows and taking on the 18km Out of the Shadows walk — walking for the 9 Australians who are lost to suicide every single day.

But for me, this walk is about so much more than 18km.

I’m walking as a survivor.

I’m walking for myself.

And most importantly, I’m walking for my mum, who took her own life 10 years ago.

10 years have passed, but losing someone you love to suicide doesn’t simply become something you “get over”. You learn to carry it. You learn to live with the questions, the memories, the heartbreak and the moments of wondering what you could have done differently.

I work because I know what it feels like to lose someone to suicide.

I work because I know what it feels like to be in your own darkness.

And I work because I believe that no one should ever feel like they have to face theirs alone.

More than 3,000 Australians lose their lives to suicide every year. Behind every statistic is a person who was loved, a family left behind, and a story that deserved a different ending.

Last year, I set myself a fundraising goal and was incredibly proud to reach it. This year, I’ve pushed myself even further — a bigger fundraising goal and 18km of walking ahead of me.

Every kilometre will carry a little piece of my story.

Every dollar raised can help Lifeline continue providing vital suicide prevention and crisis support services to Australians when they need it most.

If you’re able to donate, I would be incredibly grateful. Even a small donation can help contribute to something much bigger than all of us.

And if you can’t donate, sharing this post could help reach someone who can. 💙

For my mum.

For myself.

For the people we’ve lost.

For the people still fighting.

And for the hope that one day, no family will have to experience the pain of losing someone they love to suicide.

Let’s make sure no one has to face their darkest moments alone.

Thank you for walking beside me, supporting me and helping me keep this conversation alive.

Ashley 💙

Mental Health Advocate & Survivor

🦋 Donate or support my 18km walk here: