The family of Jamie Aitchison have been spreading hope to others six months after they were left devastated when he took his own life.
Jamie passed away in December last year at just 20 years old.
He had struggled with mental health issues and addiction and mum Debbieanne Marriott said she felt helpless.
Since his death she has thrown herself into helping others who are struggling and set up the Jamie’s Sanctuary charity.
And last week she joined Jamie’s gran and granddad and mental health campaigner Andrew Feeney in taking part in the Baton of Hope event, walking an amazing 26 miles.
Debbieanne explained: “Only a certain amount of people get to carry this and we were delighted to be selected.
“We walked 26 miles from Glasgow Green to Holyrood in Edinburgh.
“Andrew was amazing, he walked all the way from the Highlands to join in! it took him nine days and he also walked back.
“The guy is a total inspiration to mental health as a suicide survivor himself, he walks the length and breadth of Scotland to raise awareness, he takes no money and isn’t a charity.
She continued: “I’m so proud of everyone, it was so emotional.
“Andrew is a suicide survivor so hearing him speak of his pain really helped heal a part of me too. It was an amazing experience.”
Baton of Hope UK is the biggest suicide awareness and prevention initiative the UK has ever seen, opening up necessary conversations and prompting appropriate actions.
A spokesperson said: “The specially designed baton will tour UK towns and cities for two weeks in Summer 2023, raising the profile of this issue like never before.
“Together we can reduce the stigma, and get better at asking questions, listening, and directing people to the right help. Together we can save lives.”
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