Martin's Memorial Re-union: 4 years on

Hello,

It's Anne, Martin's Mum.

It's coming up to four years on 19th September since Martin took his own life aged just 20 years old and, in the process, changed the lives of so many others.

We can't change the past, so instead must look to the future and try to do something positive and worthwhile in his memory.

Following the success of previous gatherings for family and friends to remember Martin, I am planning to do some fundraising this year for the excellent Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide (SoBS) which has been such a lifeline for me in recent years. They exist to meet the needs and break the isolation of those bereaved by the suicide of a close relative or friend. All of the volunteers at my local group in Lichfield have themselves been bereaved by suicide. They offer emotional support, help and information in a number of ways with the aim of providing a safe, confidential environment, in which bereaved people can share their experiences and feelings, thus giving and gaining support from each other.

So please save the date; Saturday 21st September.

It will be almost ten years since we had a family outing to Cannock Chase for a memorable afternoon attempting the 'Treetop Challenge' at Go Ape. It was quite an adventure involving high ropes, bouncy nets, ladders and zip wires - all at 30 feet above the forest floor!

Martin and Stephanie relished the challenge and were thoroughly unfazed by it. I actually found it quite daunting and 'volunteered' to return to ground level to take photos! Geoff had to stay up and complete the course as both Martin and Stephanie were under 18 and had to have an adult with them. It's fair to say that he was out of his comfort zone too...

So this year I am going to attempt it again with Stephanie for support. We've booked our slots and there are around a dozen spaces left, so I'm hoping some of you will join us and make it a fun and supportive event.

For those who prefer to stay at ground level then Cannock Chase is a fabulous place, an area of outstanding natural beauty, where you can watch our progress, enjoy woodland walks, visit the nearby cafe or even hire segways.

The cost of the treetop adventure is £19 per person. Please book as soon as possible if you want to join us. Contact me for the start time and any further information.

You can also support us by donating to my page and helping other people in this club that no-one wants to be a member of.

Thank you.