Why I Iaunched the Wolf Run Challenge

Lorraine Taylor on how her Wolf Run Challenge marks World Suicide Prevention Day

TOMORROW (Thursday, September 10) is World Suicide Prevention Day.

It is the one day of the year that everybody stops to consider suicide, the impact that it is having in our communities, on our families and on ourselves as individuals and to consider what we can do to change that.

In 2017, my world was rocked when I lost my brother Stephen to suicide. This heartbreaking tragedy is not unique to me or my family.

Suicide has reached epidemic proportions in Ireland and worldwide taking the lives of thousands of people each year.

Following my brother’s death, I became actively involved with an incredible mental health organisation and charity Suicide or Survive. I became passionate about raising mental health awareness, suicide prevention and ending the mental health stigma that exists.

Suicide or Survive (SOS) is a nationwide Irish charity focused on breaking down the stigma associated with mental health issues and ensuring that those affected have access to quality recover services that are right for the individual. Suicide or Survive are working to build a society where people embrace their mental health wellness and those with difficulties are treated with dignity and respect, and experience a service that offers them hope, a safe place and a positive future.

The unexpected Covid-19 pandemic meant that all charities had to curtail and revisit their fundraising plans for 2020. Taking this into account, in July, I launched the inaugural Wolf Run Challenge to raise awareness and much needed funds for Suicide or Survive and also to mark World Suicide Prevention Day which takes place globally on 10 September each year. This Challenge is an opportunity to raise vital funds for mental health awareness and support. It is also an opportunity to remember and celebrate the lives of those who chose to end their life and to show support to those who have been bereaved by suicide and for survivors of suicide.

In 2019, there were 421 deaths by suicide and intentional self-harm registered in Ireland last year, according to the Yearly Summary of Vital Statistics published by the Central Statistics Office. The Covid-19 pandemic has had an enormous impact on the people of Ireland and has brought incredible challenges to each of us this year. Without a doubt, this pandemic has greatly affected the mental health of many and there is no doubt going to be a surge in those seeking help once PTSD and other mental health issues take hold post-Covid.

There will be a greater need for services such as those provided by Suicide or Survive. All funds raised from The Wolf Run Challenge will go directly to Suicide or Survive to enable them to run suicide prevention and mental health workshops in local communities. The goal of these workshops is to give people, just like you and me, the tools to recognise when they need to ask for help, an understanding that it is okay if you need help and to know that is it okay to talk to somebody and to ask for help.

The Wolf Run Challenge is a virtual event and involves any preferred form of exercise – from swimming, cycling, walking, running, etc. You chose your preferred distance and your preferred location. This flexibility means that the Challenge is open to all ages and capacities and can be done conveniently and safely in compliance with Government Covid Guidelines. Registration is open now, and due to demand, has been extended to remain open for the entire month of September.

For more details and to register for The Wolf Run, please visit PopUpRace.ie.
https://www.popupraces.ie/race/the-wolf-run-suicide-or-survive/
You can also check out The Wolf Run Challenge page on Facebook.
https://www.facebook.com/thewolfun/
Any queries can be directed to wolfrunsos@gmail.com
For details of the services and supports provided by Suicide or Survive, please visit www.suicideorsurvive.ie