Avenham Park and university campus ‘Hope Walk’ in memory of Mary O’Gara

Mary O'Gara. Pic: UCLan — Mary O’Gara. Pic: UCLan

The University of Central Lancashire and the Mary O’Gara Foundation are encouraging everyone to take part in a ‘Hope Walk’ to highlight suicide prevention.

The lunchtime walk will take place on 8 October in Preston. It is a collaboration between the university, the Mary O’Gara Foundation and Papyrus.

Paul and Sharon O’Gara, a couple from Fulwood set up the foundation after Mary, their 27-year-old daughter, took her own life in 2020.

Mary was working in the NHS and three months into a degree apprenticeship course at the UCLan.

Sharon O’Gara said: “Since Mary’s death we’ve made it our mission to raise awareness around mental health and the stigma attached to suicide. Although only at the University of Central Lancashire for a short period, Mary was extremely popular with her lecturers and fellow students and Paul and I are grateful that the University continues to support our campaign objectives.

“Last year we teamed up and set out 200 empty chairs on University Square in Preston to raise awareness of the 200 schoolchildren who take their own lives every year in the UK alone and never get a chance to fulfil their potential and go to university.

“The campaign achieved amazing coverage and reached a huge audience which we know is vital, as talking about suicide can save lives.”

Empty chairs at University Square at UCLan set up by the O’Gara’s.

They are encouraging everyone to take part in the looped walk which will centre around Avenham Park.

It will not take longer than an hour and is approximately two miles long, beginning and ending at the University’s Student Centre.

Anyone wishing to take part should meet at 12 noon for a 12.15 pm start.

Walkers who complete the route will be rewarded with a goodie bag and refreshments when they return to the campus.

Nicola Duncan, deputy director of Student Services at the University of Central Lancashire, added: “Suicide is the main cause of death in young people under the age of 35 in the UK but no one is immune. At the University of Central Lancashire, we have a dedicated team of highly trained and experienced practitioners in mental health and wellbeing support. They deliver one-to-one and group support online and in person taking both a proactive and reactive approach.

“Positive mental health and wellbeing is central to life on all our campuses. Looking after ourselves and each other is vital to a healthy and successful university experience and is championed by all our staff and students.

“Suicide awareness raising and prevention is a leading priority for us. We’re not afraid to talk about suicide and would love anyone living or working in the city of Preston to join our university community on the Hope Walk.”

To register to join the walk you can click here.

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