How you can take part in the third Walk of Hope as event raises awareness of mental health
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Organiser Angie Comerford is preparing to hold the event on Saturday, September 26, following months of uncertainty during the coronavirus pandemic.
It will see participants will set off from Marsden Grotto in South Shields and walk around 11 miles to the Angel of the North in Gateshead.
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Hide AdReaching the landmark at around 8.45pm, participants will light candles as they take time to remember loved ones lost through suicide.
Angie, from Walsh Avenue, Hebburn, started the walk in 2018 in an effort to break down the stigma around mental health.
The Hebburn Helps co-founder tragically lost her dad Brian Hannigan at the age of just 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.
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Hide AdThe 44-year-old said: “This is the third year we have held the Walk of Hope and long may it continue. The pandemic is having a huge effect on people’s mental health.
“The Walk of Hope is about raising awareness of mental health in as positive a way as we can.
”It is nice for people to get out, have a walk and talk to each other while raising awareness.”
Participants will be able to socially distance during the event by walking in smaller groups and asupport car will be available for those in need.
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Hide AdAngie runs support group Hebburn Helps with friend Jo Durkin, but the event is separate from the charity.
Anyone wishing to take part is asked to meet at the car park of the Marsden Grotto on Saturday, September 26, at 4.30pm, with the walk starting at 5pm.
Participants can also get in touch in advance via the Walk of Hope Facebook page.
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Hide AdWalkers do not have to raise money for charity but may do so if they wish.