'We want to raise awareness of signs of suicide'

Mary's family set up the Mary O'Gara Foundation following her death

The parents of a woman who took her own life have said they are determined to raise awareness of the signs often exhibited by people contemplating suicide.

Paul and Sharon O'Gara lost their 27-year-old daughter Mary to suicide in May 2020.

They are joining other families bereaved by suicide to carry a Baton of Hope through 20 locations in the UK, starting in Blackpool on 1 September.

"One of the key signs for somebody who might be thinking about taking their own life is giving away personal possessions," said Paul, from Preston.

"Sadly, towards the last few weeks of Mary's life, that's what she did.

"If I knew at the time what I now know, we could have perhaps prevented losing Mary."

Sharon added: "One of the biggest things is that in this day and age nobody should have to die alone and without hope.

"That's why the Baton of Hope is such an important event."

If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this story, information and support can be found at the BBC's Action Line.

According to the Baton of Hope charity, more than 6,300 people in the UK took their own lives.

The Baton of Hope tour will set off from the Village Hotel in Blackpool at 08:30 BST on 1 September, touring local landmarks including Blackpool Tower and Blackpool Zoo.

After continuing around the UK the baton relay will finish in London on 10 October.

Samantha said she was "blindsided" when her husband took his own life

Samantha Southern is also taking part for the second time along with her sister Charlotte Dawson, in remembrance of her husband Glen who took his own life in 2020.

She was instrumental in bringing the Baton of Hope to her hometown.

Samantha said: "I saw the opportunity to put a bid in and apply for it to come to Blackpool and we obviously won the bid.

"He was the most lovable character. He had a heart of gold. He would do anything for anyone."

Charlotte added: "He is from Blackpool and we lost him in Blackpool so I feel like it's very close to our hearts."

Update 28 August 2025: Changes have been made to this story for editorial reasons.