A team of council staff, healthcare workers and community partners hopes to raise vital funds and awareness for two suicide support charities by competing in next week’s Wigan 10k.
Members of Wigan Council’s public health team will be joined by colleagues from the SWAN Primary Care Network, Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, GM Fire and Rescue Service and addiction support charity We Are With You in running the race on Sunday 6 September.
Inspired by the upcoming GM-wide Month of Hope, which spans from World Suicide Prevention Day (10 September) to World Mental Health Day (10 October), they aim to raise more than £1,000 for Survivors Of Bereavement by Suicide (SOBS) and Samaritans.
Both services will also have stalls at the event at Wigan’s Mesnes Park, which last year had more than 3,500 runners taking part in either the 10k or Family Mile.
Councillor Keith Cunliffe, the council’s deputy leader and cabinet portfolio holder for adult social care and health, said: “The Month of Hope is all about having open conversations about mental health, sharing hopeful messages across our communities, and showing those who may be struggling that they are not alone.
“We can all play our part in spreading hope, even with the smallest acts of kindness and generosity, and it’s wonderful to see colleagues from our Suicide Prevention Partnership and other partners rally together to raise funds and awareness for two tremendous causes.
“Samaritans and Survivors Of Bereavement by Suicide (SOBS) are fabulous charities who offer invaluable support to members of our community who are in crisis, or to those who have been personally impacted by suicide loss, so please support them if you can.
“Good luck to all our runners, and to everyone else taking part in this year’s Wigan 10k – whether simply for fun, or to raise funds for their chosen charities. We’re right behind you and look forward to being there on the day to cheer you all on!”
The fundraising group will be made up of more than 40 runners who’ll be aiming for personal bests and, more importantly, plenty of sponsors.
Lisa Sandiford, who is the suicide prevention lead at Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Having been bereaved by suicide myself, I understand the devastating and lifelong impact that suicide has on families, friends, and communities.
“This run is dedicated to the memory of everyone we have lost, to standing in solidarity with those who are bereaved by suicide, and to demonstrating that through compassion, collaboration, and strong partnership working, we can build hope, strengthen our communities, and work together towards reducing suicide in Wigan Borough.”
Also taking part is Dr Adam Jolles, one of 27 runners who’ll be representing the SWAN Primary Care Network on the day.
Dr Jolles said: “I have seen and felt the devastating impact suicide can have on people and their support network.
“I feel it is all our responsibility to look out for each other and give support to those that are struggling with their mental health.”
Anyone wishing to donate in support of the group can do so via their Just Giving page: https://www.justgiving.com/
All funds raised will be split evenly between Survivors Of Bereavement by Suicide (SOBS) and Samaritans.
Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide (SoBS) is a peer‑led support organisation offering face-to-face and virtual support groups, a national helpline (0300 111 5065), email support, and an online forum for adults affected by suicide loss. Visit uksobs.com to find out more.
Samaritans is a nationwide charity that prevents suicide through the power of human connection, connecting people in crisis with trained volunteers who will always listen. Call 116 123 for free 24/7, or visit: samaritans.org.
Now in its 14th year, the HW Moon Toyota Wigan 10k has already raised more than half a million pounds for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy charity Joining Jack, as well as supporting other local and national causes. To learn more about the event itself visit: wigan10k.co.uk.
