I'm walking to remember my baby daughter Georgie Robyn, all those lost to suicide and to help people in crisis

Last year was the first time I learned that there is  an International Association for Suicide Prevention and that every year on 10 September, communities, organisations and governments across Australia and around the globe come together to mark World Suicide Prevention Day.     

Since 2012, Lifeline has been observing World Suicide Prevention Day with Out of the Shadows – local walks around the nation providing a safe space for communities to come together and remember those lives lost to suicide, and support those impacted by suicide. 

 Last year was our family's first observation of this annual event and it was an incredibly memorable and healing experience to be able to do something positive with our grief (love) for Georgie.  

This year, as we will every year, for the rest of our lives, we are observing and bringing awareness to World Suicide Prevention Day.

The 2025 worldwide theme 'Changing the Narrative on Suicide’, challenges us to transform how we think and talk about suicide.

Georgie herself was a strong advocate for mental health and empowered so many others who have been and are inspired by her example and her support during their time of need.  

Georgie had a great capacity for love and was incredibly sensitive and empathic  to all those she met. 

She struggled bravely with her own mental health, which impacted her friendships and life in both positive and negative ways due to her illness.  

Unfortunately on 28 February 2024 she lost that battle and the world lost a uniquely individual, free spirited, sensitive, most loving and kind souls. 

Her loss has had a profound impact on my world, her sister's world, her family's world, her many friends' worlds and the worlds of people whose lives she touched over her lifetime.

Georgie's flame burnt brightly for the short time that we were all honoured and privileged to have had her in our lives and her memory and the legacy of inspiration and love she spread everywhere  she went on her journey here with us lives on forever in our memories and our love for her. 

Neither of  which can be extinguished by death, as a part of her lives on in all of us, and she is forever with us, to guide us to live up to her expectations, that each and every one of us can make a difference in a positive way in this world that we all share.

To see the beauty that Georgie saw in the world, often in things and people that others could not see and to feel the pure joy and love she felt when she was connecting with those and what she loved deeply; both humans, animals and nature itself was something truly special to witness. 

Georgie is deeply missed and deeply mourned, and her loss feels unbearable at times.  I will forever remember her when she was well and happy and radiant, full of love and joy and light and hope.

I am walking so that other mothers, sisters, brothers, grandmothers, grandfathers, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends do not have to experience this heartache in our souls at the tragic and untimely death of their loved ones.  

May the money we raise help Lifeline to continue its life saving work of being there for all of those in there most vulnerable and darkest hours. 

Thank you to all of our Team members that are joining us this year and to all the generous people who donate to us in honour of our beautiful Georgie Robyn Watson.

Love Jodie                                                                                                                   

Tragically, every year over 65,000 Australians attempt to take their own life and over 3,000 Australians die by suicide. 

Lifeline receives over 1 million contacts from people in crisis each year.

Suicide has devastating impact on friends and loved ones.

For World Suicide Prevention Day (Sept 10), I will be taking part in Out of the Shadows and walking for the 9 people lost to suicide every day.

I'm walking to raise funds for Lifeline to provide suicide prevention services and support for Australians in need.

Please support my walk and sponsor me to help those in crisis.

Together, we can ensure that no one has to face their darkest moments alone.