OVER £10,000 has been raised in a charity walk in memory of a Cumbrian police officer who took his own life last year.
Held on Saturday, July 13, the 45-mile charity walk from Whitehaven to the Cumbria Police headquarters in Penrith was organised by friends and colleagues of the late James Thistlethwaite, under the banner 'Love You Bye'.
James, from Keswick, was a serving Cumbria Police officer when he sadly succumbed to PTSD and took his own life. He left behind his wife and two young children. The day of the walk would have been James' 45th birthday.
James pictured with his family (Image: Supplied)
The funds raised will help support the charity Every Life Matters.
The public was invited to join the 'Love You Bye' team for a minute’s silence in Fitz Park, Keswick, where a commemorative plaque for James is located.
They also welcomed the community to join them on their walk along the Keswick to Threlkeld Railway Trail.
Prior to the event, Emily Lishman, community fundraising coordinator at Every Life Matters, said: “We are truly inspired by the tireless work of the Love You Bye Team.
"Not only have they been training for their mammoth undertaking for months, they have also been campaigning and creating powerful conversations about mental health and suicide.
"Seeing the team create a community around the event with James’ and family is truly heartwarming and we believe this shows the ripple effect that a death by suicide can have and the huge impact it can have on a community both far and wide."
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