Walk raises thousands for mental health charity

A walk to highlight suicide awareness and prevention has raised around £8,000.

More than 700 people set off on Sunrise Walk of Hope across Guernsey on Sunday in aid of mental health charity Guernsey Mind.

Now in its fifth year, the four mile (six kilometre) trek has been described as a "real game changer" in encouraging people to talk about a subject still largely considered taboo, despite touching the lives of so many.

Jo Cottell, the charity's chief executive, called the event "a testament to the strength and resilience of our community".

The walkers set off at 04:00 BST from Vale Castle and ended at La Vallette Bathing Pools, where refreshments were provided and many took the opportunity for an early morning swim.

There representatives from the Samaritans, the Sunflower Project and Guernsey Mind were on hand to talk to people.

The Guernsey Suicide Awareness Group also set up a memory tree at the Town Church where people wrote the names of loved ones, along with messages in their memory.

Members of the men's group Odyssey also walked the entire route barefoot as "a small but meaningful act" to raise awareness of male mental health.

Ms Cottrell added: "Many participants walked in memory of loved ones, wearing signs on their shirts.

"The atmosphere was one of compassion, solidarity and support, reminding us that no one has to walk alone in their journey."

The funds raised from the event will contribute towards Guernsey Mind's ongoing work supporting mental wellbeing.

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