‘Out Of The Blue’ Fundraising Body Switch to Virtual Run

Out Of The Blue is a fundraising body established in memory of Will Beckett who took his own life at Beachy Head in January 2013, at the age of 42. This tragedy came as an incredible shock for his family and friends – it came simply ‘Out Of The Blue’.

We spoke to the founders – Katie and Lex.

“In the immediate aftermath of Will’s death, our family was supported, guided and inspired by certain charities –So now – Out Of The Blue raises money to support these charities so they can help others like us.

After organizing many fundraisers each year, our total so far £81,911.86 with our target being £100,000 for our four chosen charities;

Winston’s Wish  provided invaluable advice in the first few days after Will’s death on how to explain the death to our young sons – Tom and Joe. All of Will’s family have benefitted from the information and booklets provided by Winston’s Wish. We feel incredibly grateful to them for their practical advice and compassionate support.

Their specific knowledge of dealing with suicide and other violent deaths has been incredibly important for us. They continue to provide counselling to the boys and me – with great compassion and expertise.

Dragonflies, our local child bereavement charity, have shown great support to the family. Tom and Joe have attended support group sessions and an activity weekend alongside other bereaved children. In a group setting the boys have talked about their dad. They have been able to realise that they are not alone in their grief and that they are able to recognise and accept their different emotions.

The Beachy Head Chaplaincy Team  supported a group of us when our search for Will ended at Beachy Head on that January day. We have witnessed first hand the work they do to encourage desperate and broken individuals not to end their lives. The service is staffed by volunteers and relies on donations to help them provide the service they do. Helping to prevent further suicides at Beachy Head would be a hugely positive legacy of Will’s death.

CALM The Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) is leading a movement against suicide, the single biggest killer of men under 45 in the UK and the cause of 18 deaths every day. They run a free and confidential helpline and webchat – 7 hours a day, 7 days a week for anyone who needs to talk about life’s problems. And also support those bereaved by suicide, through the Support After Suicide Partnership (SASP).

Every year we organise a variety of fundraising events for these charities including a run which takes place at Ashburnham Place every May.  This year however, due to coronavirus, we are holding a ‘virtual’ run during mental health awareness week 18-24th May to raise much needed funds.

The plan is to get as many people to run/walk and fundraise or donate to the link below. Our four charities need our support more than ever now. We are hoping to get as many people in the UK and around the World to join in and fundraise for Out Of The Blue, so please invite friends and family to join in too!”

Please post your photos to their facebook page https://www.facebook.com/events/663912567778239/

Please read more about Out Of The Blue on their virginmoneygiving page.

https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/Team/OutOfTheBlue