In every community there are people quietly carrying the devastating grief of losing someone to suicide.

GibSams, Gibraltar’s suicide helpline, is launching a new project called “Picking Up the Pieces” to support those who have been bereaved in this way. The project will offer compassionate help and dedicated resources to people trying to navigate the uniquely difficult grief that follows a suicide.

Running a marathon is a huge challenge for me, but it’s nothing compared to the challenges faced by people who have lost someone in this way. On May 10th, I’ll be running my first ever marathon — the Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon — just one month before my 73rd birthday to raise funds for GibSams and help bring this important project to life.

Alongside overwhelming grief, many people bereaved by suicide struggle with feelings of guilt, confusion and unanswered questions. “Picking Up the Pieces” aims to provide understanding, practical support and a place where people can begin to find their way forward.

The goal is to raise £10,000 to help support people in Gibraltar when they need it most. If you are able to donate, you will be helping GibSams provide vital support and helping people begin to pick up the pieces after devastating loss.

Thank you very much for any support you can give.

PS I have set myself a personal fundraising target of £1,000 to help get this project started, and every contribution will bring us closer to that goal.

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