Powerful message from man who lost three friends to suicide
After three of his friends died by suicide, Tim Ramsay was determined to do what he could to stop the same thing happening to other people.
Inspired by the incredible support provided by a local charity in Belfast to those left behind, the mechanical fitter set out to do something extraordinary in their memory. Last month, Tim, from Dundonald, Co Down took to the roads, running a gruelling 100 miles in 32 hours, fuelled by two corned beef sandwiches, three rice cakes, two bananas and a doughnut.
Tim, 33, said: “The charity Survivors of Suicide provide a fantastic service and for one family in particular, they became the backbone of support. I don’t know what the family would have done without them.
“When something like this happens, the impact is huge for so many people. The team at Survivors of Suicide make such a difference to those left behind in these tragic circumstances through vital counselling services, practical advice and referrals for onward support, I wanted to give something back. “Far too many people I know have been affected by poor mental health and the fallout from suicide. Raising awareness and much-needed funds felt like the least I could do.”
Tim trained for just six weeks before he set off on his 100-mile run on at midday on August 19. With short breaks every 10 miles along the way to take on fluids and try to eat, he ran through the night and finished up at 8pm on August 20.
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caption: Pride of Britain logoTim said: “It was mentally and physically tough, but I kept my three mates front and centre of my mind, and that helped me keep going, especially around mile 70 when things really felt like they were going south. I know they’d all have been encouraging me to keep on going. They guys all knew each other and they died within the space of three years. It’s been a lot to take in.”
As well as showing his support for the provision of adequate services for people impacted by suicide, Tim hopes his efforts will encourage people going through difficult times to reach out to specialist organisations for support when they need it. We all go through rough times in our lives, and it’s so important to get help before things go too far,” he said.
After raising more than £4,000 for Survivors of Suicide, Tim now plans to take on an epic run again next year, upping his target distance to 120 miles. He added: “I want to smash it next year, training for longer and trying to raise even more for the charity. Far too many people are out there suffering in silence. For anyone struggling, please ask for help and it will come.”
If you're struggling and need to talk, the Samaritans operate a free helpline open 24/7 on 116 123.
Alternatively, you can email [email protected] or visit their site to find your local branch.
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