A Durham firefighter has raised hundreds of pounds through an epic running challenge in memory of a friend who tragically took his own life.
Crew Manager Paul Bainbridge, 50, ran every day in January to cover a distance of 135 miles and raise valuable funds for the If U Care Share Foundation.
The Chester-le-Street charity supports families affected by suicide and was founded 20 years ago by Paul’s friend, Matthew Smith, after his brother, Daniel O’Hare, took his own life.
Paul said: “Daniel was also a close friend of mine and we were teammates in the local football team, Lumley FC, 20 years ago.
“Daniel sadly took his own life in March 2005. He was 19 years old and showed no prior outward signs of distress or despair.
“Daniel’s family remains devastated by their loss but determined to try and prevent other families from experiencing the same, they founded the If U Care Share Foundation.”
The charity says that, on average, every death by suicide effects 135 people and launched a fundraising initiative called Mission 135 which asks people to walk, run or cycle 135 miles throughout January.
On his final day of the challenge, Paul was joined by charity founder, Mathew Smith, to run from Durham Fire Station to the If U Care Share Foundation headquarters in Chester-le-Street.
(Image: County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service)
Paul continued: “I have supported the charity for many years by doing the Great North Run a number of times, taking part in StrongArm endurance events and completing the RED365 challenge where I ran three miles every day for a year.
“Following Government cuts to charity funding, Matthew asked for help to raise vital funds for If U Care Share so they can continue to support families affected by suicide. Running every day in January has been tough, but it has been great to raise £750 for the charity.”
If U Care Share founder, Matthew, praised Paul for his ongoing support. He said: “Paul has been a big supporter of If U Care Share since we started.
“He played football with my brother, Daniel and has done some amazing challenges for us.
“This one comes at a really important time for us as a charity as fundraising is more challenging than ever. If anyone else feels like they could support us in any way we would be hugely grateful.”
If you would still like to donate to the If U Care Share fundraiser and find out more information about it, you can do so here.
How to access support if you need it
If this piece has affected you and you want to talk to someone, there are helplines and support groups available, many of them 24/7.
The NHS Choices website lists the following helplines and support networks for people to talk to.
- Samaritans (116 123 in UK and Ireland) operates a 24-hour service available every day of the year. If you prefer to write down how you’re feeling, or if you’re worried about being overheard on the phone, you can email Samaritans at jo@samaritans.org.
- Childline (0800 1111) runs a helpline for children and young people in the UK. Calls are free and the number won’t show up on your phone bill.
- PAPYRUS (0800 068 41 41) is a voluntary organisation supporting teenagers and young adults who are feeling suicidal.
- Mind (0300 123 3393) is a charity based in England providing advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem. They campaign to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding.
- Students Against Depression is a website for students who are depressed, have a low mood or are having suicidal thoughts.
- Bullying UK is a website for both children and adults affected by bullying.
- If U Care Share is a suicide prevention and postvention support charity. For free confidential text support text IUCS to 85258.
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James’ Place provide free, life-saving treatment for suicidal men, and those identifying as male, in the North East. Men can refer themselves or be referred by a professional including those working in health and community services, or by a friend or family member.
View news Source: https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-east-news/durham-firefighter-raises-hundreds-charity-30945723
