Grantham’s Jack Swift is preparing to take part in the upcoming Great North Run this Sunday, dedicating his efforts to the memory of his late stepdaughter, Evelyn Gibson. The untimely passing of Evelyn at age 15 in 2022, after battling intense mental health issues, sparked Swift’s involvement in this endeavour. The 38-year-old’s run aims to generate funds for the acclaimed suicide prevention organisation, Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM).
An inquiry into Evelyn’s passing underscored a lack of adequate support services as a consequential factor. Swift, along with his wife Jenni, took to collaboration with CALM, and ITV earlier in the year to launch a YouTube video designed to raise awareness of youth suicide in the UK. The release of the video was synchronised with Evelyn’s would-be 16th birthday. Reflecting on Evelyn’s life, described as both ‘awesome’ and ‘incredible’, Swift believes she would have been simultaneously proud and modest about the limelight the cause is receiving.
The couple continues their advocacy for more comprehensive discussions and approaches on the topic of suicide. Their hope is that their story and ongoing efforts will inspire an open dialogue about a difficult topic.
The Lincoln Post sourced this article from the initial reporting carried out at www.bbc.com.
