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GALLERY: Stepping into the dawn

GALLERY: Stepping into the dawn

Wednesday 03 July 2024

GALLERY: Stepping into the dawn

Wednesday 03 July 2024


740 people walked into the sunrise on Sunday morning - to raise awareness of suicide prevention and to show solidarity with those impacted by suicide.

This is the fourth year that Guernsey Mind has held its Sunrise Walk, with support for the event growing steadily each time.

The charity says it has become "a real ‘game changer’ in challenging stigma and helping the community feel more able to discuss the subject of suicide".

"The walk is a testament to the strength and resilience of our community," said Guernsey Mind Chief Executive Jo Cottell.

"Many participants walk in memory of loved ones, wearing signs on their shirts. The atmosphere is one of compassion, solidarity and support, reminding us that no one has to walk alone in their journey.” 

The walkers started at 04:00 from Vale Castle and ended at La Vallette, with the sun rising as they walked along the east coast.

Representatives from the Samaritans, Talking Benches, the Sunflower Project and members from the Guernsey Mind Team were at the end of the Walk to talk to people, and a memory book was provided for people to write down any thoughts or feelings. 

The funds raised from the event contribute towards Guernsey Mind’s ongoing work regarding suicide prevention and support.

The annual Walk of Hope is organised by Guernsey Mind, and was supported by Gower for a second time.

"We're deeply honored to support the Sunrise Walk again," says Hannah Boylin of Gower. "Seeing the community come together, sharing stories and supporting one another, is truly inspiring." 

Vive La Vallette arranged hot drinks and pastries at the end of the walk while the Co op provided fruit.

“We’re really pleased to be involved with this special event again," said Helen Bonner-Morgan from Vive La Vallette. "It has become such an important community event. A team from the Girls Guides helped us with serving the refreshments, and we couldn’t have done this without their help.” 

This year's walk was further supported by songwriter Tim Ozanne, singer ROMA (real name Georgia Pollock), and Mikey Ferbrache of Apocalypse recording studios and Ross Yeates of Skywave photography, who wrote and performed a song, 'Darkness into Day', and produced an accompanying video respectively.

Mr Yeates also took photos and video footage of the walk. 

Pictured top and below: All images by Ross Yeates of Clicksmith and Skywave photography.

READ MORE...

Darkness into Day

Sunrise walk to mark the launch of Suicide First Aid

Shining a Light on the Darkness: Supporting yourself and others through suicidal crisis

LISTEN: Moving more for your mental health

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