A Barnet mother whose beloved teenage daughter took her own life is about to take on a mammoth walk in her memory

Lisa Franklin, who lost her 19-year-old daughter Charlotte in 2019, will be walking more than 400 miles from Minehead along the Southwest Coastal Path, aiming to raise awareness of suicide prevention along the way.

She will begin her walk on Monday 27th May, what would have been Charlotte’s 24th birthday.

Her walk will visit notable locations from both her own and Charlotte’s life, including visits to St Ives, Newlyn and Penzance, ending her walk on the other side of the coast in Plymouth on 12th July. “The walk is to process my grief, Charlotte’s illness, and our loss,” she said. “This is where our lives changed, and before relocating, we shared lots of wonderful memories around this area and that is something I want and need to revisit.

“It is still very raw, and it will be difficult, but it’s important that I do it.”

Lisa will be raising money for the national charity PAPYRUS Prevention of Young Suicide and the bereavement and counselling charity Suicide&Co.

“This is huge for me. It is going to be a journey; I’ll be talking to everyone I meet about how suicide has affected our whole family. I think the trip will be quite daunting, but it is an opportunity that I might not have again,” she added.

Lisa wants to ensure her walk can highlight the importance and recognition of both suicide prevention and body dysmorphic disorder, something that Charlotte was diagnosed with.

“Charlotte had been extremely poorly for many years, but nothing could prepare us for losing her.

“The grieving process is so hard to explain to people who haven’t gone through losing someone to suicide, and that’s what this walk is about, raising awareness and giving back.”

For practical, confidential suicide prevention help and advice please contact PAPYRUS HOPELINE247 on 0800 068 4141, text 88247 or email [email protected]

To support Lisa and donate to PAPYRUS Prevention of Young Suicide or Suicide&Co visit: Lisa Franklin is fundraising for PAPYRUS Prevention of Young Suicide (justgiving.com)

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