I’m walking from my home in Stockport to Newcastle (approx 150 miles), in the 9 days before the Great North Run 2026. Setting off from my home on Friday 4th September and arriving in Newcastle on Saturday 12th September. Arriving in time for my husband and good friend to do the running on Sunday.

My life has been turned upside down in the last 18 months and this charity has allowed me to still be here today. I feel very vulnerable telling my full true story due to what people’s perceptions of me will be. But I saw a quote recently “Your story is your purpose and continue to follow your purpose over the opinions of other people”. Some people might see me as “selfish” but I know when I’ve been at my lowest I needed to know I wasn’t alone and that’s my aim to show others they’re not alone and try and reduce the stigma.

Up until about 18 months ago I have suffered mildly with my mental health for quite a while, however everything took a turn for the worse. I was diagnosed with PTSD related to trauma from a long time ago, which left me with vivid flashbacks, nightmares leading to very little sleep and anxiety through the roof. I was struggling so much and everything came crashing down and I tried to end my life. I was extremely unwell for a while. Even after coming out of hospital everything doesn’t just get better it’s been a real battle everyday.

I have used the CALM resources and helpline more than I can probably even remember. No one should ever feel like their only option is suicide. It is an extremely dark, scary and lonely place to feel like that and I am extremely lucky to still be here and I want to ensure no one else feels the way I did. Raising money for CALM will hopefully fund as many life saving calls as possible and provide everyone with the skills to help prevent suicide.

Suicide still remains a taboo subject and has a stigma attached - “selfish”, “easy way out” - none of these are true - it’s an extremely scary place to be. 1 in 4 people will have suicidal thoughts in their life and 18 people a day in the UK die by suicide - it’s a lot more common than we think and the only way we will break the stigma is by talking about it. From a personal perspective the stigma around suicide can nearly be as devastating as the issues that lead to it.

I will be walking from Stockport on the 4th September and arriving in Newcastle on the 12th September if anyone’s lives have been touched by suicide I would love if you could walk a small part of the way with me so we can open up these conversations.

I would ask if you know my whole family to please be considerate in your language used around my children or anyone that might interact with them. They know of mummy’s health problems but in an age appropriate way for them with guidance from professionals.

If my story has affected you at all the CALM website is www.thecalmzone.net and the helpline is 0800 58 58 58 open 5pm - midnight.

If you do know anyone struggling with suicidal thoughts or you think they may be; some great lines to open that conversation are:

- Hey, it feels like something is up. I’m always here if you need to chat.

- You ok? I just wanted to check in with you?

Thanks for visiting my fundraising page.

Sara x

Follow my IG for more updates: @saras.mental.health.journey

A bit from the charity:

We’re Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM), and we’re a suicide prevention charity. We’ve got loads of tools and resources to help people find the support they need, including a life-saving helpline for people who can’t see a way forward, have lost someone to suicide, or are worried about their friends or loved ones.

£12.20 is enough to fund one potentially life-saving call.