Memory of young man who died by suicide honoured with new space in town park
Arron Whalley was described as a "gentle giant" with a "heart of gold", who tragically took his own life at the age of 31 in 2021.
After her son's death, Maxine Whalley took it upon herself to help other people who are struggling with their mental health.
She said: "I wouldn't want anyone else to go through what I've gone through - and losing so many of Arron's friends as well.
"We felt our mental health services were failing everyone - I'm not saying we can replace the mental health service - but if you can do something early on."
Many organisations set up stalls for the grand opening (Image: Tracy Gerrard) Originally, she planned to install just a bench in Arron's memory, but the project grew into something bigger.
Whalley's Woodland Walk was officially opened in Moses Gate Country Park in Farnworth over the weekend.
The opening was marked with activities and many charities and organisations setting up stalls - including Samaritans, Andy's Man Club, Bolton Manbassadors, Willow Hey and Bolton at Home.
Arron Whalley Maxine said: "Arron would absolutely love this.
"It's very cliche but he was the life and soul of the party - everyone knew him or knew someone who did.
"I think it was a shock to all of his friends when it happened, he would put all over his Facebook page - it's good to talk inbox me - and he was always there for his friends.
"He wanted his friends to come to him, but didn't want to reach out to them."
Maxine Whalley had been campaigning to get the space after losing her son in 2021 (Image: Tracy Gerrard) While the name is inspired by Arron, Maxine said this wasn't her original intention at all.
She said: "I didn't want my son's name in it, and to be just for him.
"It was Cllr Paul Sanders who came up with the logo for me, and Whalley apparently means woodland by the water, so we just thought - that's fate.
"It was a brilliant weekend and it was lovely, we'll be doing a relaunch next year that will be a lot bigger and better."
Maxine said that she couldn't have done it without the help of her friend Janet Fitton, who was involved with the project from the start.
Janet said: "It used to be just a cut through and people can't believe how beautiful it is.
"I just felt like somewhere was needed for everybody to have a quiet space.
"People were all saying, 'we can't believe it, we have been coming for years and years and never come to this side because it was pointless - but we'll definitely be coming back now!
"It feels like you're getting a hug from the trees, there really is something about the place that feels quite magical."
'There really is something about the place that feels quite magical' (Image: Tracy Gerrard) Janet said that they're planning to put a notice board up in the area with contacts for mental health support - as well as a statue, or "some kind of monument to mental health".
They also plan to put in flower gardens and keep working to make the place as nice as it can be.
Have a story? Get in touch at eoin.mccaul@newsquest.co.uk
Cllr Richard Silvester, Bolton Council's cabinet member for climate change and the environment, cut the ribbon to officially open the area.
He said: "The request from Maxine followed the loss of a close family member to suicide and a wider awareness of other young men locally who had lost their lives in similar circumstances.
"I fully supported the request and so had no hesitation in making the decision for the designation of this contemplative space known as Whalley's Woodland and I want to thank Maxine for everything that she has done.
"There are clear links to being outdoors, being active and positive mental health.
Cllr Richard Silvester cut the ribbon to officially open the space (Image: Tracy Gerrard) READ MORE: Farnworth residents call for improvements to small parks
READ MORE: Bolton Council launches green spaces vision consultation
READ MORE: Bolton West MP Phil Brickell welcomes new water reforms
"The use and maintenance of parks in the Bolton borough are a real benefit for all that access these spaces.
"The message, therefore, is that Whalley's Woodland and all of the work which Maxine has taken has our full support at Bolton Council.
"By providing this space for contemplation and supporting those who have lost friends and family members, we can bring together everyone who has been impacted by mental health across the Bolton borough."
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