I don't feel very prepared for this this year, but I am running the Garstang half marathon on Sun 6 Sep 2026 - raising valuable funds for an important cause - Papyrus - prevention of young suicide. For Lucas. For all of us.

With World Mental Health Awareness Day (Fri 9 Oct) just around the corner Lucas is never far from our thoughts.

Our world changed forever almost 5 years ago when Lucas simply found this World too complex to navigate. He was just 18 years old, with the whole world ahead of him.

As a family we continue to raise awareness of young suicide, the need to keep talking and will do what we can to help to keep young people safe.

Lucas is missed every day. As a son. As a brother, cousin, nephew, grandson or friend.

We do not know why suicide remains the biggest killer of young people under 35 in the UK.

Every step is a shout out to keep talking about suicide and mental health and know that no young person should ever feel alone.

If you are reading this, and you could use some support in this way, please call the Papyrus Hopeline number on 0800 068 041 041.

If you knew Lucas, you would know that he would always include you in his circle. A social butterfly. Lover of music, rugby, scouting and animals. And food (always food!)

In recognition of how Lucas chose to end his story, please continue to wear something yellow for mental health awareness and keep talking.

Please donate to the Papyrus charity if you can…

More importantly, please let Lucas’ story be a starting point for a conversation with others. If we can keep the conversations going, that has to be a good thing.

The Lucas Backhouse Walk Talk 4 Us runs monthly at Avenham and Miller Park, Preston (meet at the Continental) at 10am. Join us to break the silence on mental health issues and keep conversations going. (Join the WalkandTalk4Us newsletter mailing on Facebook or see ‘Angela Violet’ for updates). The route is dog and pushchair friendly too.

Lucas’ plaque is installed in the Pegoda / Shelter / Bandstand in Avenham Park. Thank you for visiting. It was his favourite place to meet up with friends and we know many of you still gather here.

We hope you will enjoy his memorial - a place for you to simply ‘be’ when you need to ‘be’ with Lucas. Know that this is a safe place to come and recall happy friendship memories.

Lucas will always walk alongside us. X

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