A man who has lost three people who were close to him to suicide is backing Chris’s House in its 10th anniversary this year and helping offer hope to others at crisis point.
Chris’s House (Centre for Help, Response & Intervention Surrounding Suicide) was formed in 2015 by Anne Rowan, following the death of her son Christopher four years earlier.
The charity has its base in Belhaven Road, which is home to the first 24-hour non-medical crisis centre in Scotland.
A number of events are set to take place during the next 12 months marking the decade the charity has been helping people.
These will include, a Ladies Lunch at Dalziel Park Hotel on March 9, which will be hosted by radio DJ Gina McKie; the Glasgow Kiltwalk on April 27; a zip slide across the Clyde on August 24; the Darkness into Light Ball which will take pace at Doubletree by Hilton in Glasgow on September 12, and not forgetting – the annual Walk of Hope in Glasgow.
Scheduled for May 10, it will see hundreds of people come together and set off in the darkness on a 5K route along the banks of the River Clyde and return to the Glasgow Science Centre as day breaks.
It’s a time when loved ones lost to suicide are remembered and also serves as a reminder that, while it may not always seem so, the darkness people can fell is temporary and that light will follow.
In addition to the Glasgow route a Walk of Hope event will also take place on the other side of the country, thanks in no small part to the efforts of Rab Cole from Danderhall. The Lothian Walk of Hope event didn’t take place in 2024, for the first time in seven years.
Rab lost his brother-in-law and two of his friends to suicide, and was determined to help.
Rab, a recovery driver, has previously raised funds for the Wishaw-based charity – most notably raising £3,000 by taking on a four-race challenge in one weekend last year, including a 5K and 10K on day one and a marathon right after completing a half-marathon on the second day.
“I did the Glasgow Walk of Hope last year as the Midlothian one didn’t happen last year,” he said. “I was speaking to Liz Barr, who use to arrange the walk and decided to get it going again.
“I didn’t realise how much was involved in it – going to the council with the plans, and needing road closures and stuff like that.
“It will take place on May 10, the same date as the Glasgow one, which ties in with mental health awareness week.
“Danderhall Miners’ Club are going to open up for us before the walk and we’ll have singers and stuff on before it.”
Chris’s House did have a second base in Dalkeith, not far from Rab’s home, and is currently searching for alternative suitable premises in the area.
Anne Rowan said: “We’re delighted Rab’s taking on organising the Walk of Hope, last year we had a lack of volunteers and it can be a lot of work.
“It’s our 10 year anniversary and we’ll have a special logo on our t-shirts this year marking that.”
If you’re interested in attending any of the Chris’s House events throughout the year, more information is available via their social media pages, email: [email protected]
Anyone at crisis point and having suicidal thoughts can access support by calling 01236 766755
*Don’t miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here.
And did you know Lanarkshire Live had its own app? Download yours for free here.