A Fife couple who lost two grown up children within a year say they want to use their experience to help others with a 500-mile charity walk.
David Christopher and Louise Russell from Cupar are preparing to walk and camp the North Coast 500 in memory of Ciaran and Siobhan Russell, Louise’s children and David’s step-children.
Ciaran took his own life aged 29 in December 2020, leaving three children aged eight, five and three.
The following October Siobhan, 33, died of septicaemia following an operation.
Siobhan had previously been a victim of domestic abuse, which her parents say led to alcoholism.
‘Nobody knew that day would be his last’
David said: “Ciaran committed suicide aged 29, leaving behind his children, family and friends.
“We will never know the reason behind it and we didn’t realise things were so bad for him that he thought suicide was the only answer.
“He seemed happy, he was planning the future, starting a new job, taking driving lessons, doing what every 29-year-old does.
“Nobody knew that day would be his last.
“We all know about suicide, we all know the statistics. We all think it will never happen to our family.”
Less than a year later, the heartbroken parents lost Siobhan and decided to launch a support group to help others suffering suicidal thoughts, addiction, abuse and other difficulties.
David added: “Siobhan was always helping others and always put other people’s lives before her own.
“After a double tragedy, we decided we wanted to help people but didn’t know what to do, we started a mental health awareness group on Facebook called S.H.A.D.E (Suicide, Homelessness, Addiction, Domestic Abuse, Everyone) Mental Awareness.
“We have helped a few people through that but we want to do more.”
Cupar couple’s North Coast 500 walk in kids’ memory
Now Louise, 54, and David, 45, are preparing to spend 23 days walking 516 miles along the north of Scotland in May, fundraising for five charities – Papyrus UK, Crisis UK, DrugFam, Scottish Association for Mental Health and the Veterans Foundation.
Donations can be made to the couple’s Just Giving page.
David said they chose the North Coast 500 because of its difficulty and the pair will be unaided, carrying their camping equipment and other belongings during the walk.
He admits it will be as much about staying mentally strong as it will be about stamina.
David said: “We know this will be an exhausting and probably painful endeavour but we’re prepared to go through it to raise money and awareness.”
The couple also have the support of North East Fife MSP, Willie Rennie who said: “The toll suicide and mental ill health takes on society is heavy.
“After suffering personal tragedy, David and Louise deserve recognition for their commitment to doing what they can to help others.”
He added: “The North Coast 500 is a great challenge but I have every confidence that they will succeed.
“I encourage everyone who can to support their fundraising.”
Conversation