This year I have decided to set up my first fundraising event for a charity that after losing my Dad in November 2021, means a lot to me.

Suicide&Co is a charity that supports those bereaved by suicide, reminding them that they are not alone. The charity aims to open up the conversation around suicide-related grief, and provide professional support to those who are in the position to unfortunately need it.

Since losing my Dad, the amount of support that I have received from family, friends, and my university, is something that I cannot put into words. Grief from suicide is incredibly hard, and so I feel extremely lucky and humbled for the kindness, love, and professional support. Though I appreciate that some people might not be in a position so fortunate.

This is where Suicide&Co comes in. Founded by Amelia and Emma, and run by the most wonderful team, the charity provides support to those experiencing suicide-related grief. From sharing helpful resources, providing social media support and specialist counselling, to just being the loveliest charity to reach out to. Any donations for the charity go towards funding a counselling service and helpline for the community. These specialised suicide-related counselling sessions are staffed by bereavement counsellors, and knowing that people will then be able to receive this counselling, for me is comforting.

By working with Suicide&Co, I hope to support and reassure those in the same position as myself that they are not alone, because 'suicide always has company'.

Across 2023, my fundraiser will comprise of 3 different challenges, each 4 months apart:

April:

- A charity skydive.

August:

- The national three peaks challenge (climbing the three highest peaks of Scotland, England and Wales, all within 24 hours - Ben Nevis in Scotland, Scafell Pike in England, Snowdon in Wales). I also have an amazing group of friends supporting me with this one!

December:

- David Goggins ‘4 x 4 x 48’ challenge (running 4 miles (~6.44 km) every 4 hours for 48 hours).

Of course I understand that times at the moment are extremely hard, so any donation at all is so greatly appreciated. Even just sharing this page and link will be such a massive support!

Thank you so much for any donations, support and the continued kindness and love. This was hard for me to write and open up about, but I really hope that this fundraiser helps the conversation and change the stigma around suicide-related grief. More importantly, I hope that this can reach out and support anyone who has unfortunately lost someone they know to suicide.

Tasha

To read more about Suicide&Co, please follow this link: https://www.suicideandco.org

Or follow Suicide&Co on Instagram or Twitter: @suicideandco