Love you, bye charity walk
Love you, bye charity walk
A beautiful tribute to a much loved Husband, Father, Friend and Colleague on his 45th Birthday.
by Danni Murphy
In 2023, James lost his battle with mental health, leaving behind his beloved wife, two children and lots of much loved friends and family. Since his passing, both the family and friends have received invaluable support from local charity Every Life Matters.
This July 13th will mark James’ 45th birthday, and in honour of this, six of James’ close friends and work colleagues will be undertaking a mammoth 45 mile walk to raise money for the charity that have helped and supported so many others effected by suicide in Cumbria.
The walk will begin on Whitehaven Harbour and finish at the Police Federation building in Penrith.
Paul, one of the organisers of the walk said: “We are expecting the walk to take us between 15 and 20 hours all in all.”
“It’s going to be hard going, but we are determined to do this to celebrate James and also raise money for a charity that sadly shouldn’t have to exist.”
“Suicide is the biggest killer of men under the age of 40 and the fact that statistic even exists is just heartbreaking. The charity has done so much for James’ family and we want to enable them to continue providing such amazing and necessary support as well as their preventative action in the future.”
The sad reality is that many men feel so much pressure to be strong and stable and provide for their families, all the while putting their own needs and mental health on the back burner. Its only in recent years that the message has started getting out there to men that it’s ok to talk, however, sadly its still not enough and many men are still suffering in silence.
Charities like Every Life Matters can provide the necessary information and services to help anyone who may be in need of support – whether you are struggling yourself or you are worried about a loved one contact them today, they are there to help.
James was only 44, a dad to two young children and a wife whom he loved immensely. He was a Police Officer and regarded by his friends and collegues as being one of the best Cumbria had, Paul said: “James was the most dependable officer, he was always so respectful and compassionate no matter who he came in contact with, he never treated anyone differently. He had dealt with some really difficult jobs over the years and was always composed and kind. He was everything a police officer should be and more, but he was suffering, and despite reaching out and getting help, he succumbed to his illness.
James could change the dynamic of a room just by being there, he is and always will be hugely missed by all of us. He was quite simply, a legend.”
The public are invited to join Paul and the team on the middle leg of the walk as they hit the Keswick to Threlkeld railway path – whether you are joining to support them or want to come along in memory of your own loved ones, everyone is welcome.
You can also support the team by donating to Every Life Matters via their Just Giving page here:
www.justgiving.com/page/paul-shearsby-1704918999486
Talking about suicide saves lives. To find out more about Every Life Matters, visit their website:
www.every-life-matters.org.uk
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