Helen and Hayley's Swims

Helen Smith is raising money for PAPYRUS Prevention of Young Suicide
In memory of Charlie J
PAPYRUS is the national charity for the prevention of young suicide. We run HOPELINE247 0800 068 4141 a freephone confidential helpline staffed by trained professionals who give advice, support & information to anyone who is feeling suicidal, or concerned that a young person they know may be at risk

Story

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On 16 December 2009 our younger sister, Heather died unexpectedly of an undiagnosed heart condition. She was 36 years old. Her sudden death threw our entire family into absolute turmoil. As a result we have undertaken ever increasing marathon swims in Heather's memory.

It is not widely known that there is actually a second, equally traumatic chapter.

'Suicide is the biggest killer of under 35s in the UK.'

In Heather's passing, she left behind three children aged 18, 12 and 8. Charlie (aged 12) was an ordinary, fun loving and cheeky little boy. However, he desperately missed his mum. So much so that on 14 February 2010 Charlie took his own life.

Charlie's suicide was incredibly difficult for us to understand and process, and it still is.

 'Over 200 school children are lost to suicide every year.'

These statistics are just one of the triggers that have led us to connect with a wonderful charity, Papyrus.  Papyrus is a UK charity dedicated to the prevention of suicide and the promotion of positive mental health and emotional wellbeing in young people.

Team Aitch Sea Jays are taking on personal challenges again this year, with Helen swimming the length of Loch Ness (22 miles) in August and Hayley swimming around Manhattan Island, NYC (28.5 miles) in September. Many of you have supported us year on year with our swimming events and we are eternally grateful for your ongoing support.

Thank you for reading our story and for all your support. Donating to this page means that we will be helping Papyrus to reduce the number of young people who take their own lives.

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Donation summary

Total
£6,461.82
+ £1,278.50 Gift Aid
Online
£6,211.82
Offline
£250.00

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