More than 120 people took on a huge running challenge in memory of a much-loved man from County Durham who tragically took his own life at just 23.
Alex Liddle, from Seaham, passed away in January 2020, leaving his loved ones devastated. And to pay tribute to him, Alex's friends and family put on their running shoes for a special event on the weekend that would have been Alex’s 26th birthday.
The event was held on Sunday to raise money for two mental health support charities; SHOUT and If U Care Share – falling in line with Mental Health Awareness Week. Participants could either run, jog or walk through Seaham and Sunderland and had the option of running up to 26.2 miles, with a marathon, half marathon and 10k distance on offer.
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Runners finished at Seaham Park Cricket Club at 12pm with a host of fundraising activities for participants and their families taking place at the finish line. So far, the fundraising page has raised more than £2,500 for the two charities.
Organiser of the 'If U Care, Run Shout and Share' running event Holly Stubbs, 25, said: "Our aim is to help prevent other families from feeling the same heartbreak that Alex’s did in January 2020. Even if we can help one family from going through this unimaginable pain, it will be worthwhile.
"Alex was a kind-hearted, funny man. He wasn’t the ‘typical’ person you would expect to be struggling and that is the scariest part about depression. It can happen to any of us at any time.
"Many people suffer in silence and alone. It eats away at you until you believe there is nowhere else left to turn. Both of the charities we have chosen are vital in saving people’s lives as well as supporting those bereaved by suicide."
Claire McCabe mother of Alex Liddle said she was "overwhelmed" at the generosity of people and said it shows Alex is "not forgotten about". She said: "It's been absolutely fantastic, I'm overwhelmed at the generosity of people and more so Alex's friends and family that have pulled together. It just shows that he's not forgotten and that means a great deal to us and most importantly what people are doing to prevent the same thing from happening again to others.
"It's raising funds for life-saving support for people who are suffering from mental health and also the charity that we're raising the funds for provides crucial support for people like myself who have been bereaved by suicide."
Alex’s family waited at the finish line to welcome runners home through a huge yellow and blue balloon arch and handed out goodie bags. A raffle and a tombola with a host of prizes donated by many local businesses was also held.
To support If U Care, Run Shout and Share, visit their fundraising page: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/ifucarerunshoutandshare
