A MUM from Little Sutton has decided to walk 500,000 steps in March to raise money for a suicide intervention and prevention service based in New Ferry.

Heather Wilson, 33, wanted to raise money for The Martin Gallier Project after seeing first-hand the work that they do for people in the community.

She has also recently completed their SafeTALK course, which inspired her to start the fundraiser. 

Speaking to the Globe, Heather said: "It's such an important cause and it isn't something that gets spoken about enough.

"One in five people have thoughts of suicide at some point in their lifetime. You don't have to have mental health issues, it can affect anyone."

The Martin Gallier Project

The organisation was established by Jessica Gallier as a direct response to the impact of the death by suicide of her father Martin in 2017.

Jess set out on a mission to "Prevent suicides, break down stigmas and support families in the North West".

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The Martin Gallier Project was granted Community Interest Company status in August 2018 and has been helping people across the North-West ever since.

Heather's challenge

Everyday this month, Heather has been walking to hit her target of 500,000 across March.

"I was talking to my husband one day and I thought about what I could do to help the charity and the conversation of walking just came up," Heather said.

So far, she has walked 306,000 steps, which is over 144 miles and on average around 23,000 steps a day.

Heather said: "I've definitely achieved more than I thought I would so far.

"I work full-time and have two kids so there is a lot of things that prevent walking. I've been getting up early before work and going late at night, really pushing it to get those steps in.

"I know I'll hit 500,00 before the end of the month but I will keep going."

The money raised from the fundraiser will go towards life-saving interventions (each one costing £80), helping people in the community.

To donate to Heather's Just Giving page, click here.

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