ACCRINGTON, LANCASHIRE – On Saturday, 26 September, 25 dedicated walkers took to the hills around Accrington to raise awareness for suicide prevention, mental health, and youth homelessness. The Light Up the Hills 2026 event, organised by Positive Action in the Community (PAC) and guided by Abigail’s Trails, successfully brought the local community together to mark World Suicide Awareness Month.
Starting at the Tiger Lounge in Accrington town centre, the seven-mile evening trek took participants through Baxenden and up to the summit of The Coppice. It was at this highest point, as darkness fell over the Lancashire landscape, that the walk reached its most poignant moment.
The group stopped to reflect on those who have taken their own lives and those who have struggled silently with mental health, feeling unable to talk about their pain. Several walkers bravely shared their own personal experiences with friends and family, creating a powerful atmosphere of shared understanding. Following a minute of silence, the walkers took part in a ceremonial turning on of their head torches and lamps. Together, they lit up the hills, shining a light of hope into all the places of darkness where people feel alone and isolated.
The inspiring event was organised by Jenna Lusty, Events and Networking Project Support Worker at PAC, with the route safely guided by Abigail Thompson and Sarah McCormick from Abigail’s Trails.
“The sense of connection up on The Coppice was truly overwhelming,” said Jenna Lusty. “Hearing people’s stories and taking a moment to remember those we have lost was deeply moving. Every step taken and every conversation started helps break the stigma around mental health, and the funds raised will allow PAC to continue supporting vulnerable people across East Lancashire.”
Abigail Thompson of Abigail’s Trails added: “Guiding this incredible group through the Accrington hills was an absolute privilege. The terrain offered a great challenge, but seeing the trail illuminated by everyone’s torches and knowing the deeply meaningful cause behind it made it an unforgettable evening of community and support.”
The walk was generously sponsored by Blackburn-based Blue Rock IT, a long-time champion of PAC whose managing director, Pete Sims, has previously highlighted the importance of supporting the charity’s essential youth homelessness and domestic abuse services. A special mention and heartfelt thanks also go to Rachael from WorkwearWarehouse, who kindly donated 25 head torches to ensure the walkers could safely light up the night.
To date, the walkers have raised a fantastic total of £2,662 for Positive Action in the Community. There is still time to support their incredible efforts and contribute to PAC’s life-changing work. Donations can be made via the official fundraising page at https://www.justgiving.com/page/brittonny-dawes-1
PAC would like to extend massive congratulations and gratitude to all the participants who completed the walk and championed the cause. Emily Aldridge, Claire Bulmer, Brittonny Dawes, Milena Gimadieva, Linh Hoang, Clare Jewkes, Clarice Kinnair, Tom Kinnair, Jake Kirby, Adam Lord, Lucina, Jenna Lusty, Leroy Philbrook, Luke Wareing, Steph Wareing. James Whipp. Chris Wilson, Juliana Wilson, Courtney Wright, and Zain Zia
About PAC Positive Action in the Community (PAC) is a registered charity (No. 1088536) that supports vulnerable individuals and families across East Lancashire, addressing youth homelessness, domestic abuse, and mental health challenges. For more information, contact PAC@p-a-c.org.uk.