Lucy Hogan

It's official, I'm running a marathon!

I'd love your help to keep me motivated, and raise some money for an important cause. I’d appreciate any contribution, big or small.

WINGS of Hope was founded in 2007 and is a registered harm prevention charity. It aims to help those bereaved by suicide by reducing isolation and preventing harm. 

WINGS of Hope receives no government funding and relies totally on grant funding, donations and fundraising to sustain our organisation. All donations to WINGS of Hope over $2 are tax deductible.

When we lost our dear friend Carl Malik on Sunday 15th April 2018, I said I would run a marathon to raise money in his honour. It's taken me a while to get there, but it's finally happening. Carl was sweet, caring, funny and always there for you. He had the most infectious laugh, and I'll be remembering some wonderful memories as I make it through the 42kms.

Carl was a huge mental health advocate, after losing his dad 6 years earlier, before ending his own life. Charities like WINGS, and Carl's own experience show why it is so important to provide support to those bereaved by suicide. 

I leave you with Carl's own words:

“It’s happening all of time around the world but no one talks about it. People refuse to talk about it, but I do feel that the stigma surrounding suicide is better recently with the help of Samaritans, MIND, CALM and all of the support groups reaching out and offering help, and changing the way people think and talk about mental health.

I watched my father turn from being happy, helpful, ambitious and caring to the most broken man, and there nothing I felt I could do at the time, it’s heart wrenching and ruins your life. I needed counselling for over 6 years to help me deal with the loss of my dad…it’s changed my life forever. Speak out if you need help, don’t put u manly front on and say “I’m okay” or “I’m fine”.

We’re not equipped to deal with it ourselves, unfortunately it’s classed as a big social taboo, people see it as a sign of weakness but it actually makes you stronger.

It’s no wonder everyone is shocked by suicide, because it’s hidden behind the affront of masculinity and suicide is the single biggest killer of men aged under 45 in the UK.

Air your worries and talk. If your feeling sad or depressed, tell someone. People will listen and there is help out there. I’m guilty too.

Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about.”

Donations made through this platform are secure and will be remitted directly through to my charity of choice.

Thanks so much for your support!