How you can take part in the third Walk of Hope as event raises awareness of mental health

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.

Reaching 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.

The 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.

Angie runs support group Hebburn Helps with friend Jo Durkin, but the event is separate from the charity.

She hopes the walk will be her own lasting legacy and continues to leave messages of hope for those in despair along the cliff tops as part of her efforts.

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.

Walkers do not have to raise money for charity but may do so if they wish.

You don’t have to be suicidal to call Samaritans. Whatever you’re going through, call them free any time from any phone on 116 123 (this number is FREE to call and will not appear on your phone bill), email [email protected], or visit www.samaritans.org to find details of your nearest branch.

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