Angie aims to help those suffering from depression with Walk of Hope

The daughter of a much-loved dad who took his own life after battling with severe depression hopes is hoping to support others with problems and get people to open up about the issue of suicide.
Angie Comerford has organised the Walk of Hope from Marsden to the Angel of the North.Angie Comerford has organised the Walk of Hope from Marsden to the Angel of the North.
Angie Comerford has organised the Walk of Hope from Marsden to the Angel of the North.

Angie Comerford was heartbroken when her dad Brian Hannigan died at the age of 60.

He had battled severe depression, which caused him to take his own life, and Angie herself has struggled to cope with depression for the past 20 years.

Angie Comerford with her late dad Brian Hannigan.Angie Comerford with her late dad Brian Hannigan.
Angie Comerford with her late dad Brian Hannigan.
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Now the 41-year-old wants to put the issue in the spotlight and to get people talking about it through her Walk of Hope.

It will start in the car park of the Marsden Grotto at 5pm on Saturday, September 29, and take walkers to the Angel of the North, in Gateshead.

It is hoped that during the course of the walk, people will open up, share their own stories, and seek solace in the knowledge they are not alone and help is out there.

With her friend Jo Durkin, Angie runs support group Hebburn Helps, which provides invaluable support to people in need.

Angie Comerford with her late dad Brian Hannigan.Angie Comerford with her late dad Brian Hannigan.
Angie Comerford with her late dad Brian Hannigan.
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She said: “I feel very passionate about this. I lost my dad to suicide and I have suffered with depression for the past 20 years.

“We need to have more people talking about it. I’ve wanted to do something like this for a long time now - it’s about raising awareness and getting people talking.

“I’ve chosen Marsden Grotto, as this is where a lot of people have died, and the Angel of the North as the finish, as that is what our loved ones end up being.

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“It’s about remembering our loved ones whose lives have been taken by suicide, but also reaching out to those who may be struggling with life, or with their demons.

“We want to show they are not alone, and that help and support is out there and there are people who are willing to listen and help.

“The walk is open to anyone to come along to talk to one another, get some fresh air and to enjoy each other’s company.”

The route is approximately 11 miles long and it’s estimated it will take around three hours 45 minutes to complete.

Anyone wishing to take part is asked to meet at the car park of the Marsden Grotto at 4.45pm, with the walk starting at 5pm.