Named Nurse for Safeguarding Children, Natalie Wood, is preparing to tackle the Manchester Half Marathon alongside Consultant, Dr Cath Rourke, to raise money for Andy Man’s Club a year after the father of her children died through suicide.

Natalie said: “I’ve not been shy of being on a few screensavers or in news articles over the years, including sharing most recently the loss of my beloved dad, who died in March of this year and was dearly cared for by staff on Ward 18 at HRI. 

“I am now sharing another personal story, as in July 2023 the father of my three wonderful children, Steven, sadly lost his life to suicide. The statistics paint a stark picture, and from experience I can genuinely say, living with the loss of a loved one through suicide is one of the hardest life events that we have had to face as a family.  As can be appreciated, we have seen great loss in the past 12 months but if we can make a difference to just one other family, then the loss is somewhat easier to bear. 

“So I am running the Manchester half-marathon on Sunday, 13th October with Consultant Paediatrician, Dr Cath Rourke, who has kindly offered to support me, running together to raise money for Andy Man’s Club. 

“If you would like to donate the link is below.  In advance the family, Dr Rourke, and I would like to thank you all for your contributions.  And last and by no means least, thank you from all those men, and families you will have the power to support moving forward.”

Fundraiser by Natalie Wood : Men's Mental Health in memory of Steven Hawkins (gofundme.com)