James Walsh

James was popular and good looking. He had a loving and supportive family and friends and the sort of cheeky grin that made him a hit with the ladies. There were over 700 people at James’ funeral which probably says it all.

After James died his mum Maggie came across the C.A.L.M. website. She knew it was too late for James but was determined to raise as much money for C.A.L.M. as possible to raise awareness and hopefully encourage other young men to seek help. To know that there is another way out.

At a charity auction night in aid of C.A.L.M. in October 2005 over 100 people signed up to run the Manchester 10km in memory of James. Whether they agreed because they were really good at running or because they were really drunk, 62 of those people managed to get a place.

And so it was that on 21 May 2006 62 people gathered in the pouring rain in Manchester city centre to run the Manchester 10km in aid of C.A.L.M. Each wore a shirt with the name of a young man who had taken his own life – James Walsh, James Redmond, Dave Ward, Mathew, John….Each one someone’s son, brother, lover, friend. We ran in their memory and for all those who stayed silent.

Thankfully the rain didn’t manage to dampen the spirit of the runners – even those who had decided that running in fancy dress was a great idea. How good an idea it was when they hit 7km was another question altogether, although Tigger did assure everyone that he was not a runner he was “a children’s entertainer” !

All 62 managed to make it to the finish line to be rewarded by a few well deserved pints at the party afterwards and the fantastic news that the runners had managed to raise £12,500 in sponsorship. That’s enough money to run C.A.L.M.. for almost three weeks and answer over 1,000 calls from people who need a helping hand. The party buzzed with promises to run next year and raise more money. This was a celebration of James’ life and full of hope that we can do something to help get over the message that being silent isn’t being strong.

Since then, each year, Maggie and friends have come together to organise a dinner/dance night in memory of James, and raise money for CALM.   And then met again outside the Big Pebble for the Manchester 10K run.  Raising more than £50,000 for CALM over the years.  James left a big hole.  Thanks to everyone that have helped on these events.