News / KNowle West
Suicide prevention walk from Bristol to Cheddar
A group of people are gearing up to take part in a charity walk from Knowle West to Cheddar, raising awareness for suicide prevention.
The event, on October 16, has been organised by Knowle West resident Kim James-Coggins, whose cousin, Ali, took her own life in August.
“I wanted to do something to make a difference – for other families to not have to go through what my family’s gone through. That was what spurred me on to do it,” explains Kim.
is needed now More than ever
The 20-mile route will start at Filwood Community Centre, finishing at the Riverside Inn.
A suicide prevention walk from Knowle West to Cheddar will start at Filwood Community Centre. Photo by Ellie Pipe
The walk is raising funds for Suicide Prevention Bristol, who patrol the streets of the city to help people contemplating ending their lives.
A JustGiving page has been set up for the event, which has so far raised more than £800.
Taking part will be Ali’s friends and family, as well as members of the local Slimming World group in Knowle West, which Kim runs.
The youngest participant will be Kim’s 14-year-old daughter, while the oldest will be her 73-year-old mother.
“I don’t think there’s any way I can prepare for the walk, so I’m aiming to do two miles of walking everyday – that will get me off to a good start,” says Kim.
“I just want it to be a real community thing that brings people together to do something positive.”
Knowle West resident Kim James-Coggins has organised the walk in memory of her cousin Ali. Photo by Charlie Watts
The group of walkers will wear specially-designed T-shirts, supplied by local business Marven Group Workwear & Leisure.
A mini-bus, courtesy of King Lifting, will also be on hand to take them back to Bristol after they complete their journey.
Kim adds: “Ali was always someone who liked to support other people – she supported a lot of people through lockdown who were having a tough time.
“So I think she’d be really pleased that something like this was being done in her memory.”
To support the walk, visit: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/steppingouttopreventsuicide/.
Charlie Watts is reporting on Knowle West as part of Bristol24/7’s community reporter scheme, a project which aims to tell stories from areas of Bristol traditionally under-served by the mainstream media
Main photo by Charlie Watts
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