A mother who lost her son due to substance misuse will be leading the way during a poignant event to pay tribute to those who have died due to drug and alcohol-related issues.
The Matthew Project has announced its first Walk to Remember event to allow people to remember their loved ones who have died.
Championing this event is Carole Taylor from Norwich, who is walking in memory of her son, Jonathan, who died as a result of substance misuse.
He would have been celebrating his 50th birthday on March 1, the day of the event.
Ms Taylor said: “Jonathan was a loving son who bravely battled his demons with courage and humour, always willing to laugh at himself, attempting to bring good cheer. He was a son I was proud of.
“He was afflicted by heroin addiction, and he also used cocaine regularly. He managed to kick the heroin habit but when he was newly out of prison his tolerance for cocaine was weakened by his recovery, and he succumbed to a drug overdose.
“One memory I have is the day my son ended up in the police cells at Bethel Street and someone called Randall from the Matthew Project had seen him there and offered help.
“The Mathew Project did help but the problem proved too long standing and our horizons were blighted by the enormity of the drug problem in Norfolk.
“The Matthew Project needs our help to continue their work against a backdrop of sheer enormity and complexity.”
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Commenting on the event, chief executive Andy Sexton said: “I am so pleased that Carole has had the vision for this walk in memory of Jonathan.
“Her story is incredibly compelling. It is sadly not a one-off. Many people struggle to overcome substance misuse. No-one chooses to become addicted.”
How to get involved
The Matthew Project is encouraging walkers from across Norfolk to come and walk 30,000 steps on planned routes around Norwich.
By taking part, walkers will also be able to help raise money through sponsorship to support those needing the vital drug, alcohol and mental health services provided by The Matthew Project.
The charity has created two routes, both a long and short one, allowing participants to enjoy the sights and scenes of the city, with pit stops along the way.
All ages and abilities are welcome, including dogs.
Chief executive of The Matthew Project, Andy Sexton, said: “Mental health issues and substance misuse issues go hand-in-hand, and the Project is on the frontline in helping people tackle these problems.
“We rely on donations to fund our vital work.”
- Visit the website www.matthewproject.org/walktoremember for details on how to get involved.
- For support email hello@matthewproject.org or ring 01603 626123.
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