A group of our volunteers were proud to take part in this year’s Mary O’Gara Hope Walk in Preston on Wednesday 14 October.
The walk is a joint venture between the Mary O’Gara Foundation and the University of Lancashire. The foundation was set up by Paul and Sharon O’Gara in memory of their daughter, Mary, who sadly took her own life a few years ago while studying at the university. Through the foundation, they have worked tirelessly to raise awareness of mental health and suicide prevention, and to break down the stigma that still surrounds them. As their strapline says, “look beyond the smile”.
Now a firm fixture in the city’s calendar, this was the third annual Hope Walk. The idea is a simple but powerful one – to encourage people to walk and talk together, and to connect with others they might never otherwise meet. It was a beautiful sunny day, and more than 500 people took part, following a route through the town, down to Avenham Park and back to the university, where everyone was treated to a well-earned coffee and cake.
A big thank you to all the volunteers from our Outreach Team who took part, and a special welcome to our newest Outreach team members.
Events like this matter to us because they reflect everything we believe in – that making time to listen, and to be there for one another, can make all the difference.
If you’re struggling, or just need someone to talk to, Samaritans are here 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call us free on 116 123.