Wigan mum’s charity walk in memory of close friend

A new mum is pulling on her walking boots as she takes on a charity challenge in memory of a close friend.
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Sarah Dickinson, from Wigan, has decided to walk 10 miles on her 22nd birthday - January 20 - to raise money for Papyrus, a charity working to prevent suicide among young people.

She was inspired by her friend Alicia Sidebotham, who was just 19 when she was found dead in woodland near Broadway in Atherton on January 7, 2019.

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The pair met when they started primary school and became life-long friends, going on to enjoy regular nights out at Indiependence, in Wigan town centre.

Alicia and SarahAlicia and Sarah
Alicia and Sarah

Sarah said: “I usually throw a fund-raiser at Indiependence.

“I threw one just after she died to help with the funeral and then started raising money.

“Obviously we can’t do it this year because of coronavirus, so I am doing a walk.”

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Sarah is not a regular walker and admits she does not like to exercise, but she is taking on the challenge after seeing the success of other sponsored treks.

She plans to prepare by going walking with her son Calabe, who was born in September, and will be joined for the 10-mile walk by Alicia’s father Thomas Quinn.

Sarah said: “I am very excited about the walk. I underestimated how far 10 miles was, but I am going to do it anyway.”

She hoped to raise £150 for Papyrus, but has already reached £225 and hopes donations will continue to be made to help people in need of support.

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Sarah said: “It is quite expensive to ring the helplines and some people, like Alicia, are too anxious to call.

“It is usually the last resort.

“They campaign to make sure everyone is heard and it’s a charity for young people.”

Sarah has not yet chosen a route yet, but Alicia will certainly be at the front of her mind as she covers the miles.

“She was always the life of the party,” she said.

“She was really outgoing. She was a beautiful girl.”

Friends and relatives of Alicia’s have been determined to ensure she is remembered following her tragic death.

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More than 150 people attended a special event held at Indiependence a few weeks later and a fund-raising night in aid of Papyrus was held in January last year to mark the first anniversary of her death.

To donate to Sarah’s appeal for Papyrus, go to gofund.me/ad6eb225

Anyone under the age of 35 with thoughts of suicide, or people concerned someone could be thinking of suicide, can get support by going to www.papyrus-uk.org or calling 0800 068 41 41.

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