Walk the talk

A LOCAL good Samaritan is walking 63km in appreciation of Lifeline’s Out of the Shadows Walk as they raise awareness of suicide.

Kim Clifton has been impacted by suicide when at the tender age of eight she lost her brother, and to this day she wishes there was more awareness and that the ‘S’ word can be de-stigmatised.

Every 24 seconds, someone reaches out to Lifeline for help and another fact is that one in six Australians experience suicidal thoughts or behaviours in their lives; another, tragic reality is that suicide is the leading cause of death for those aged 15 to 44.

In Australia, nine individuals take their own lives every day, which totals 63 each week.

That sombre statistic inspired Ms Clifton to pledge to walk 63km across September, that’s one kilometre for each life lost.

“I want to ensure no one has to face their darkest moments alone,” she said.

“World Suicide Prevention Day is Wednesday, September 10 and I want to be the light. Let’s do this!

“Together we can achieve so much,” Ms Clifton said.

Determined to cast light and finances on the subject, across September you will see Ms Clifton walking around Broadford in her blue Lifeline t-shirt.

Already, the advocate has raised $97, and that’s enough for two callers to have access to the Lifeline’s crisis support hotline.

To donate, visit outoftheshadowswalk.org.au/fundraisers/kimclifton

Lifeline’s trained Crisis Supporters are available 24/7, phone 13 11 14 or visit lifeline.org.au/ to start a chat or 0477 13 11 14 to text.

Lifeline is there to help, to connect and to bring hope to people in crisis.

You’ll be asked for some personal details, such as your age and location, but these are optional, and you can choose to remain anonymous.