Nicola Wilson from Workington took her own life in October 2018. Her mother Julie Wilson has raised awareness of mental health since her daughter’s death, becoming a founding member of women’s peer support group Nic’s Voices of Hope when it launched in April of this year.
Julie will carry the Baton of Hope in memory of Nicola, when the tour comes to Cumbria on Sunday, September 7 with a route to be confirmed nearer the time.
Speaking about carrying the baton, Julie said: “Nic would have been very proud of what I am doing and trying to achieve in our county to raise awareness of suicide.
“Nic always wanted to help others so by carrying the baton of hope I feel that I am doing something that will give hope to others and let people know that they are not alone and that there is always someone out there that will listen and help.
“I feel that it’s important to raise awareness of suicide in our county as recent figures in Cumbria have been higher than the national average for far too long.”
Julie hopes that the tour will help raise awareness and highlight to people that there is support out there for those who are struggling with their mental health and thoughts of suicide.
She added: “I also think it will help people who have been bereaved by suicide as by raising awareness it lets others know that there people out there that they can reach out to who will understand their grief and loss.
“There is not a day when I do not think of Nic and as a family we speak of her often with many a tear but lots of laughter of the good times that we had for the short time that we were privileged to have her in our lives.
“The day I carry the baton will be a very emotional one for me, but I am sure Nic will be with me every step of the way.”
You can find out more about the Baton of Hope or donate to Julie’s fundraising page here.