Walk of Hope marks 10 years of Lanarkshire charity Chris's House helping people at crisis point
The annual event departs from the Glasgow Science Centre before dawn on Saturday, May 10
Chris's House will mark 10 years with its Walk of Hope next weekend when hundreds of people will gather to remember loved-ones lost to suicide.
Chris's House (Centre for Help, Response and Intervention Surrounding Suicide) centre is situated in Belhaven Road, Wishaw.
Founded by mum Anne Rowan in memory of her son Christopher, who died in 2011 at the age of 36, it is the first 24 hour, non-medical crisis centre in Scotland offering integrated support and has supported thousands of people over the years who have found themselves at crisis point and considered ending their lives.
The Lanarkshire-based charity provides peer support, intervention and assistance to people who may be having suicidal thoughts.
The annual Walk of Hope takes place in Glasgow, departing from the Science Centre. Participants sign up and receive a bright yellow t-shirt to wear during the event.
Family members and friends of those who have lost children, siblings, parents, and other relatives or friends to suicide will gather in the darkness from 4am on Saturday, May 10, before the bright yellow procession sets off across the River Clyde from the Glasgow Science Centre and along its embankments on a 5km circular route returning as dawn breaks.
The walk signifies the journey back from darkness into light for those who are struggling with their thoughts when at crisis point.
The Soundsational Choir will provide entertainment before the block of yellow makes its way along the banks of the River Clyde in the twilight.
A second Walk of Hope will also take place simultaneously in Lothian leaving from Danderhall Miners' Club, EH22 1QU.
Anne Rowan said: 'We never thought that when we were first handing t-shirts out of the back of a van that we'd reach this point, having helped so many people during the last decade.
'I'd like to thank everyone who has supported us over the years.
'The Walk of Hope is a special celebration and I'd remind everyone coming along this year to bring a photograph of their loved ones with them.'
Chris's House also has other events lined up later in the year including its annual fundraising ball and a charity zip slide. Over 140 people took part in the recent Glasgow Kiltwalk to raise vital funds for the organisation.
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