TWO PRUDHOE residents have been walking every day throughout October to raise money for Papyrus.

The walk is called the Hopewalk, an annual event that takes place in October where people walk 100 miles to raise funds for suicide prevention and to end the stigma around suicide.

Papyrus is a UK-wide charity whose mission is to reduce the number of young people who take their own lives.

Since last October, along with her friend Carole Teasdale, Alison Simpson has taken up walking almost every day and personally donating to Papyrus in memory of Jack.

Jack died of suicide in September 2020, at the age of 20. Alison has close connections with Jack’s mum Liane and Alison’s daughter is Jack’s godmother.

So far, Alison and Carol have raised more than £1000 for the charity.
Alison said: “We wanted to make our walk a real challenge as possible as people have been so generous.

“We decided to take in parts of the North East countryside and coastline to showcase what beautiful areas we have on our doorstep.”

The challenge has taken them down Hadrian’s Wall, St Mary’s lighthouse and the Derwent Reservoir.

On why Alison decided to take on the walking challenge, she said: “Since lockdown, walking has been great for our well being and something many people have taken up. If our contribution helps any young vulnerable person suffering then its all been worthwhile.”

When Alison and Carol started out on this challenge, they aimed to raise £200 but to this date, they have raised over £1000 and are close to having walked 200 miles.

Alison said: “The support and encouragement we’ve received has been wonderful and we can’t thank everyone enough for donating to this worthwhile charity.”

The walk finished on Sunday.

Alison also has a Justgiving page where people can donate to Papyrus.

She said she will to continue walking and raising money for the charity.