A heartbroken son is honouring his father’s memory by raising awareness for suicide prevention in a 13-hour sponsored walk to his graveside. Stewart Spence, aged 29, will walk 29 miles from his home in Stirling to his dad’s grave in Rutherglen Cemetery on October 12. This emotional journey marks the anniversary of his father Charles Gordon Spence’s tragic suicide. The fundraising effort is to support Andy’s Man Club, a charity focused on men’s suicide prevention. Stewart shared how deeply his life was impacted when his father, Charles, aged 60, took his own life a month before Stewart’s 18th birthday.
Recalling the devastating day, Stewart recounted finding his father’s lifeless body in their home, an experience that still affects him profoundly to this day. As a father himself to two young sons, Stewart acknowledges that the pain of his father’s suicide has intensified since becoming a parent. He expressed the inner turmoil of questioning his father’s love for him and how having his own family brought the reality of the loss to the forefront.
The anniversary of Charles’ passing has always been a challenging time for Stewart, prompting him to initiate the fundraising walk as a meaningful way to honour his father’s memory. Stewart fondly remembers the happy moments spent with his father, especially their shared love for horses despite his own inclination towards football. Stewart hopes that by sharing his story and raising funds for Andy’s Man Club, he can support others facing similar struggles in their battle against suicide.
Stewart’s fundraiser aims to not only raise awareness for suicide prevention but also to honour his father’s memory in a positive and impactful way. By taking on this physical and emotional challenge, Stewart is demonstrating his dedication to mental health advocacy and support for those affected by suicide. To contribute to Stewart’s fundraising efforts, donations can be made through his GoFundMe page.
As Stewart embarks on this poignant journey, he carries with him the memories of his father and the determination to make a difference in the fight against suicide. His commitment to raising awareness and funds for suicide prevention reflects a heartfelt tribute to his father and a beacon of hope for those battling similar demons.