Training and Development Flight at historic RAF Coningsby ran one mile every hour for twenty-four hours in aid of PAPYRUS Prevention of Young Suicide.
Beginning on the 26th of March, the challenge started at nine o’clock on a bright but chilly morning just outside the Lincolnshire Station’s popular ‘Heroes’ coffee shop. The team was joined for their first run by the Station Commander, Group Captain Paul ‘Pablo’ O’Grady. And, of course, there was a cake stall for anyone who wanted to donate.
Suicide is the biggest killer of people aged 35 and under in the UK. PAPYRUS Prevention of Young Suicide is the UK charity dedicated to the prevention of suicide and the promotion of positive mental health and emotional wellbeing in young people. Wing Commander Tim Owen, one of the Three Dads Walking, lost his own daughter to suicide. He is an ambassador for Papyrus and spoke at RAF Coningsby about his experiences.
Wing Commander Owen’s story inspired Stu Burgham, an RAF Coningsby’s Civil Servant to organise the PAPYRUS Challenge. He said:
“My main reason was after hearing Tim speak, I realised how tragic young suicide is and I wanted to give something back to the charity.”
RAF Coningsby’s personnel were quick to help. Squadron Leader Si Devenish and Flying Officer Sara Brierley manned the cake stall, whilst Flight Lieutenant Sanjay Thapa set up the Just Giving Page. Wing Commander Owen joined the team at midday. He said:
“The team at Coningsby has been brilliant; they’ve really leant in and there’s been such goodwill from the whole station.”
The challenge ran throughout the night, with the team; Stu Burgham, Flt Lt Sanjay Thapa, FS Martin Peace and Sqn Ldr Rachael Lee, completing one mile every hour, on the hour. The final mile came at eight o’clock the following morning, with the team joined by the Station Commander and cheered over the line by a gathering of enthusiastic supporters.
The team has raised over £1300 so far and donations can still be made through the Just Giving page: https://www.justgiving.com/page/tdf-24-hour-run. For confidential suicide prevention advice contact HOPELINE247 on 0800 068 4141, or text 07860 039967 and email [email protected]
Squadron Leader Rachael Lee commands Coningsby’s Force Development Squadron, of which Training and Development Flight is a part. She said:
“Firstly, I would like to say thank you to our runners and volunteers, and to everyone who has donated so far. I am proud of the team, grateful to be a part of it and amazed by the way they have pulled together to make this happen. Suicide in under 35’s is such an important cause, and the PAPYRUS does wonderful work helping young people.”
