In September 2016 a vivacious, beautiful young woman lost a long battle with depression. Kirsty Jennings was a loving, selfless individual who touched the lives of all who had the joy of meeting her. In memory of Kirsty and in a bid to raise awareness of mental health issues as well as vital funds for two charities, I will be braving the Pennine Way in July 2017. The Pennine Way is a gruelling 267 miles long and stretches from Kirk Yetholm in the Scottish Borders to Edale in Derbyshire’s Peak District. During the walk I will open 287 gates, climb 249 timber stiles, 183 wooden stiles and cross 204 bridges. I will be doing all this carrying my home on my back and wearing (like a true Scotsman!) a kilt. The two charities I have chosen are close to hearts of Kirsty’s friends and families.
As a volunteer for Sheffield based charity Survivors of Depression in Transition (S.O.D.I.T), a small survivor and user-led women’s organisation, Kirsty played an important role in helping many young women whilst quietly fighting her own battle. The charity is 100% volunteer run and uses peer support, one-to-one talking therapy, campaigning, mental health awareness training and telephone support to help those experiencing mental health distress. As well as volunteering for S.O.D.I.T, Kirsty also accessed invaluable support herself for two years.
http://www.sodit.org/
Kirsty’s passing left a hole in the lives and hearts of so many and for a number of these people charity Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide (S.O.B.S) has been a lifeline. Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide exist to meet the needs and break the isolation experienced by those bereaved by suicide. They are a self-help organisation aiming to provide a safe, confidential environment in which bereaved people can share their experiences and feelings, so giving and gaining support from each other.
http://uk-sobs.org.uk/
