Former professional footballer Clarke Carlisle was among one hundred participants in Lancashire Mind’s Candlelight Walk 2025.
The father-of-five, who played for Preston North End and Burnley, walked side by side with those who have lost loved ones to suicide and chose to unite to raise awareness.
After attempting to take his own life, Clarke has become a Lancashire Mind ambassador inspired by the support he received when prioritising his wellbeing.
When talking about the walk, Clarke said: “It was an important opportunity to remember those who we’ve sadly lost to suicide and take a moment of quiet reflection and just remember the people who inspire us to do the prevention work we do.”
The event invited 100 people to Astley Park in Chorley for the second year running.
With an aim to honour those whose lives have been lost to suicide, the walk aimed to normalise conversations about mental health and reaching for support.
Held on Worldwide Suicide Prevention Day, the event also invited the community to become Lancashire Mind Orange Button Holders.
This initiative aims to train the public to spot signs of suicidal thoughts in someone.
By mentioning the importance of spotting behavioural changes and negative thoughts within those around you, David Dunwell, chief executive of Lancashire Mind, said: “Mental health must be seen on a level playing field with physical health.”
“Unfortunately, Lancashire has one of the highest suicide rates in the country, and there’s still a lot of work to be done around challenging stigmas around suicide and conversations about our mental health.
“Suicidal thoughts are extremely common; it’s believed that one in five people experience these thoughts at some point in their lives, so no one should feel ashamed about sharing those thoughts and asking for help.”
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