Fundraising for Hope: The People Helping Us Prevent Suicide
Fundraising for suicide prevention turns personal commitment into practical action. Every sponsored walk, workplace challenge, community event and individual donation helps The Jordan Legacy raise awareness, support education and encourage earlier conversations. Our fundraisers help build a society willing and able to do all it can to prevent every preventable suicide.
Why does fundraising for suicide prevention matter?
Suicide prevention needs more than awareness on a single day. It requires sustained education, collaboration and practical action in schools, workplaces and communities. Fundraising helps make that work possible.
The money raised by supporters can contribute to activities such as:
- Talks and workshops that help people have difficult conversations safely
- Workplace and school programmes focused on psychological safety
- Resources that help people recognise when someone may be struggling
- Partnerships and collaborative suicide prevention projects like One Voice One Hope
- Campaigns that challenge stigma and encourage people to seek support
Every fundraiser contributes in a different way. Some raise significant sums through organised events; others bring friends, colleagues or family members together for a smaller challenge. The value is not only measured in pounds raised. It is also measured in conversations started, assumptions challenged and people reminded that they are not alone.
What makes our fundraisers so important?
Our supporters choose to act on an issue that can feel difficult to discuss. By fundraising publicly, they help make suicide prevention part of everyday conversations, not something hidden away until a crisis occurs.
That visibility matters. A sponsored challenge may prompt someone to ask how a friend is really doing. A workplace fundraising day may open the door to a wider conversation about mental health. A community event may connect people with information and support they did not know was available.
Fundraisers also help us reach audiences we might not otherwise reach. Their networks extend into sports clubs, offices, schools, families, faith communities and local groups. This creates a wider movement for hope and practical prevention.
How have supporters helped create change?
The Jordan Legacy has been grateful to people who have supported a wide range of current and past fundraising activities. These include organised events connected with the Legacy of Hope Walk , the One Million Steps Challenge , community activities and personal fundraising campaigns.
Each initiative has its own character, but they share important qualities:
- They turn concern into visible action.
- They invite others to participate in a positive way.
- They help raise funds for education, awareness and collaboration.
- They keep hope at the centre of a serious conversation.
- They show that everyone can contribute to suicide prevention.
Some supporters take part because they have personal experience of suicide or mental health challenges. Others want to stand alongside a friend, colleague or family member. Many simply believe that preventable deaths should be prevented. Whatever the starting point, their decision to act helps move the conversation forward.
What can a fundraiser achieve beyond raising money?
Fundraising can create three forms of impact: financial, social and emotional.
Financial impact: donations help support our talks, workshops, resources and collaborative work. They enable us to keep developing practical ways for organisations and communities to improve suicide prevention.
Social impact: fundraisers make a sensitive subject more visible and approachable. They help people understand that asking directly about suicide, listening without judgement and signposting to support can be life-saving actions.
Emotional impact: taking part can help people honour someone they have lost, stand beside someone who is struggling or express hope for a safer future. Shared action can help people feel connected rather than powerless.
This is why we value fundraisers as partners in our work. They do not simply collect donations on our behalf. They help communicate why prevention matters and why a zero suicide society is worth working towards.
Here are just a few of the people who have supported The Jordan Legacy's journey
Daniel Cardwell - last month Daniel completed an incredible 70.3-mile Iron Man challenge, in memory of three much-loved family members who all died by suicide. Devastated at losing his brother Craig to suicide along with his two cousins, Jacqueline Cardwell and Jason, Daniel swam, cycled and ran the entire distance as he aims to complete a number of events and raise £10,000 during the next year for The Jordan Legacy. Find our more by visiting Daniel's JustGiving Crowdfunding page here.
York Gallery Owner hosts exhibition to raise funds - Anne Braithwaite runs Braithwaites Art Gallery in the centre of York. In October she contacted The Jordan Legacy to explain that in recent years she has been fundraising for Papyrus since the loss of her son Jake in 2018. Following the very sad closure of Papyrus, the young person's suicide prevention charity, a good friend recommended us to Anne. The gallery hosted an exhibition and raffle, featuring work by artist Sam Toft. The event raised £1668 in much need funds to support our cause. Learn more from Braithwaite's Goodhub crowdfunding page here.
Bride asks guests to donate in memory of her son - On October 26th, Michelle Lariviere was married. A few days before her wedding she contacted The Jordan Legacy and said she wanted to invite guests to support our mission in memory of her son, Justin, who died by suicide on 14 June 2022, just two days after his 25th birthday. Michelle says: "No parent should ever have to experience the heartbreak of losing a child, and the pain of losing him is something I will carry with me forever". Learn more about Michelle's story via her GoodHub crowdfunding page here.
Mother abseils 100ft from the top of Anfield Stadium - As a lifelong Liverpool fan, there probably couldn’t have been a more appropriate place for Victoria Dadds to take on such a challenge in memory of her brother, Richard, who died by suicide aged just 16. Victoria was only 12 at the time. On the day, her mum and dad were there at Anfield to watch her. Victoria's father had written a powerful article which was published in the Liverpool Jewish newspaper, reflecting on Richard, Victoria and the importance of finding meaning and hope following unimaginable loss. Victoria raised a staggering £3826.26p. More information here on Victoria's Goodhub crowdfunding page.
These are just a few examples of our heroes, who take on challenges and put on events to support our missions at The Jordan Legacy. There are so many others we could have mentioned including: Yolk Farm, Phil Hanson, Dave Bok, Blade Roofing, Chris and Zoe Bishop, Donna Fisher.
Why do all these people put themselves out to support The Jordan Legacy? Because, like us, they believe that most suicides can be prevented with the right support in place so why not support an organisation whose focus is to prevent all preventable suicides.
Why do personal stories matter in fundraising?
Many fundraising campaigns begin with a personal story. Someone may be remembering a loved one, marking a significant anniversary, supporting a colleague or responding to their own experience of mental health difficulties.
Personal stories can help others feel understood. They can show that grief, worry and hope are not abstract ideas; they affect families, workplaces and communities every day. They can also make it easier for people to speak about experiences they might otherwise keep private.
At the same time, sharing a story is always a personal choice. No fundraiser should feel pressured to disclose more than feels safe or appropriate. Stories can be shared in ways that protect privacy, avoid method details and focus on support, connection and hope.
Our approach follows safe messaging principles. We do not share method details, and we encourage clear signposting to help. If reading or writing about suicide has affected you, visit our help and resources or I Need Help Now page.
How can workplaces and communities get involved?
Fundraising works especially well when it becomes a shared activity. Employers, schools, clubs and community groups can choose an achievable challenge and invite people to participate at their own level.
Ideas might include:
- A team walking or step-count challenge
- A sponsored creative, sporting or endurance activity
- A community coffee morning or quiz
- A workplace wellbeing event linked to donations
- A group taking part in an organised Jordan Legacy event
The best activities are inclusive, clearly organised and supported by sensitive communication. Participation should never be compulsory, and people should be able to contribute without explaining personal circumstances.
Fundraising can also connect naturally with learning. A workplace might pair a challenge with suicide awareness training . A school or college could explore age-appropriate wellbeing education through our Schools & Education work. A community group may combine fundraising with a local conversation about reducing stigma.
What should you consider before starting a fundraiser?
A successful fundraiser does not need to be complicated. Start with a clear purpose and an activity that suits your audience.
Consider these practical questions:
- What is the purpose of the fundraiser, and who will it involve?
- Is the activity accessible to people with different abilities, schedules and comfort levels?
- How will you talk about suicide safely and respectfully?
- What information will participants receive if the topic brings up difficult feelings?
- How will you thank supporters and explain the difference their help makes?
It is also helpful to set a realistic target, create a simple fundraising page and share regular updates. Focus on progress rather than pressure. A sincere message about why you are supporting suicide prevention is often more effective than repeated requests for money.
You can find practical information about starting your own campaign on our Fundraise for Us page. If you would prefer to support the charity in another way, explore Support Our Work .
What do we want every fundraiser to know?
We want our fundraisers to know that their support is noticed, valued and meaningful. We see the time they give, the conversations they begin and the courage it can take to speak about suicide prevention openly.
We also understand that people fundraise in different ways. Some prefer a public challenge; others quietly ask friends and family to donate. Some take part once, while others return year after year. There is no single correct way to help.
What connects every supporter is a belief that things can change. Research shows that many suicides are preventable, and practical action can make a difference. Fundraisers help us share that message while developing the education and partnerships needed to turn hope into action.
How can you support the next step?
You can start fundraising for The Jordan Legacy , join a current event, donate directly or share our work with someone who may be interested. You can also explore our talks and workshops to understand how awareness can lead to practical action in organisations and communities.
The key takeaway
Fundraisers are essential because they provide more than financial support. They help make suicide prevention visible, create safer conversations and connect The Jordan Legacy with people across the UK. Whether you join a walking challenge, organise a workplace event, raise money in memory of someone or simply share our message, your action matters. Choose an approach that feels manageable, communicate with care and focus on hope. Together, we can help build communities and workplaces that are mentally healthier, psychologically safer and better prepared to prevent suicide.
To learn more about The Jordan Legacy's vision visit this page.
For information to support someone who may be feeling suicidal, please visit this page.
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