No one should have to lose a loved one to suicide: I am walking to heal and help those in crisis

It comes with great pain to create this fundraiser page, and that pain is the reason why I am choosing to support Lifeline in the walk for World Suicide Day - so that no one has to lose a loved one to suicide.

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Mon is my sister, she brought light to the lives of all that knew her. Yet despite the light she brought to us, she couldn't find her way through the darkness. We are not meant to go through our most difficult moments alone, and sometimes we can't see the way out without a second set of eyes to guide, a second set of ears to listen, and a hand to pull us out. By supporting Lifeline, we are supporting those that don't know who else to turn to. We are cultivating a world where there can always be someone available to pick up the phone whenever any person feels they have lost their way forward.

The devastation of suicide touches not only the person's family, but affects up to 135 others who knew the individual. There is something deeply heartwrenching about someone choosing to end their life - the unanswered questions, the loss of connection, the missed opportunities, and the sudden revelation of pain that the person was in to make such a decision. When we love someone who died by suicide, we hold their pain after they have gone. If only we could have held it with them while they were here, to show them they are not alone. Yet, those facing their darkest moments may choose to not tell a family member or friend to protect their loved ones, to avoid stigma, or out of a fear of losing choice and control. This is where we need services like Lifeline.

Lifeline is here for people who find themselves lost in the darkness of this emotional pain, and who may not feel able to tell a family member or friend. Lifeline is exactly that - a lifeline of hope that can guide individuals through the dark, towards the right supports that can bring them back to safety.

If you are able to join us on the 10th of September for World Suicide Day, we will be walking 9km for the 9 Australian lives lost to suicide every year. I am inviting us to come together, to donate if we can, or simply walk on our own, at a time that feels right, with the ones we have lost in our hearts, in our steps, and in our breath. If you are unable to walk, but would like to support this life saving service, please donate if you can. 

We will be walking beside Mon in spirit for World Suicide Day, with our foot steps acting like the heartbeat of hope, that through Lifeline, we can extend to all of those that need it most.

Donations of any amount would support their ongoing efforts to offer a gentle hand to those in their most difficult moments.

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Suicide stats in Australia, and more about Lifeline

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

Services like Lifeline save lives everyday. Lifeline receives over 1 million contacts from people in crisis each year.

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.