OVER 120 people are taking on a huge running challenge through Seaham and Sunderland on Sunday (May 15) in memory of a man who took his own life at just 23-years-old.
Alex Liddle, from Seaham in County Durham, died tragically in January 2020, leaving his loved ones devastated.
Now his friends and family have organised a mass running event that is set to take place on Sunday in support of SHOUT and If U Care Share – falling in line with Mental Health Awareness Week.
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Participants have the option of running up to 26.2 miles, with a marathon, half marathon and 10k distance on offer to either run, jog or walk. The event takes place on the weekend that would have been Alex’s 26th birthday.
The event, which finishes at Seaham Park Cricket Club at 12noon, has so far raised over £1,000 for the two charities and the total is expected to increase with a host of fundraising activities for participants and their families taking place at the finish line.
Organiser of the If U Care, Run Shout and Share running event Holly Stubbs, 25, said: “Our aim is to help prevent other families from feeling the same heartbreak that Alex’s did in January 2020.
"Even if we can help one family from going through this unimaginable pain, it will be worthwhile."
She added: “Alex was a kind-hearted, funny man. He wasn’t the ‘typical’ person you would expect to be struggling and that is the scariest part about depression. It can happen to any of us at any time.
“Many people suffer in silence and alone. It eats away at you until you believe there is nowhere else left to turn. Both of the charities we have chosen are vital in saving people’s lives as well as supporting those bereaved by suicide.
“The event has three distance options to make sure it’s accessible to anyone who wants to take part.”
Read more: William says ‘it’s good to get emotional’, during visit to mental health project
Alex’s family are set to attend the event and will be waiting at the finish line to welcome runners home through a huge balloon arch and will be handing out goodie bags.
There’ll also be a raffle and tombola with a host of prizes donated by many local businesses.
To support If U Care, Run Shout and Share, visit their fundraising page: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/ifucarerunshoutandshare.
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