Geelong remembers loved ones at annual walk

HUNDREDS gathered in Geelong’s Johnstone Park on Sunday morning to remember loved ones lost to suicide at this year’s Suicide Prevention Awareness Network (SPAN) Suicide Awareness Walk.

This year’s walk, which has taken place in Geelong for the past 13 years, coincided with World Suicide Prevention Day, providing an opportunity for residents to come together and grieve for those lost by suicide.

Hope Bereavement Care’s executive officer Salli Hickford said she always forgot how incredible and emotional the annual walk can be.

“You sometimes get caught up in the organisation of the walk you forget how impactful it is,” Ms Hickford said.

“It was just really incredible to hear one of our staff members and counsellors, Catharina Dumaresq, speak about her experience with suicide and losing her husband.

“She wasn’t able to attend the SPAN Walk last year after she was bereaved, but to hear her story this year and the challenges she has had to endure was just so powerful.”

The walk’s Master of Ceremonies and community ambassador Michael Nolan conducted the event’s proceedings, with a flock of doves released to conclude the remembrance ceremony.

Attendees than walked 1.2km as one towards Eastern Beach and throughout Geelong’s CBD to raise awareness about mental health and reducing stigma around suicide.

For more information about Hope Bereavement Care and its programs, head to bereavement.org.au or contact Hope Bereavement Care on 4215 3358 or via [email protected]