Prominent Clitheroe landmark to become symbol of support for bereaved families
St Mary’s Parish Church in Clitheroe will be floodlit in purple light this weekend to symbolise the town’s support for the families of local people who tragically took their own lives.
Between 5pm and midnight on Saturday, November 22, the 19th Century church will be bathed in purple light to mark International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day.
The commemoration has been organised by Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide (SOBS) and members of the St Mary’s community.
In Britain, 6,894 took their own lives in 2024, with men aged between 50 - 54 the most at-risk group. Researchers in the US found that each death by suicide has an impact on up to 135 people, meaning that almost one million people each year in Britain are directly affected by suicide.
Clinical evidence makes it clear that mental health interventions can prevent suicide, but the data suggests that two thirds of those who took their own lives did not seek any kind of mental health support.
St Mary’s church warden Howard Riley said: “By illuminating one of Clitheroe’s most prominent landmarks, we want to raise awareness of the strong support network available locally and to emphasise that no one needs to face the devastating consequence of losing a loved one to suicide alone.”
Clitheroe and Ribble Valley SOBS group has been meeting for 12 months and offers a vibrant and supportive group for people suffering this damaging experience and the associated complex grief.
- SOBS can be contacted online via www.uksobs.org. Call Clitheroe SOBS on 07538 398524 / email: [email protected]