Students compete in UK race for suicide charity

Two LJMU students and their professor took on Alfie's Squad's 'Race for a Reason' to support children and young people who have lost a loved one to suicide.

LJMU sponsored the pair  - PhD Salma Shalaby and Farah Tahmasebi - who along with teammate Professor Pooja Saini, hoped to raise awareness for this peer support service for children bereaved by suicide.

The Race Across The World-style challenge, saw teams travel from Anfield Stadium to Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge ground.

“Farah and I took this on because Alfie’s Squad is the only UK charity providing face to face peer support for children and young bereaved by suicide, and we want to honour that work with the power of community,” said Salma, a research student in psychology.

“Everyone we speak to thinks we’re a little mad for doing it, and honestly, we’ve had those moments too! We’re nervous about the logistics, of course, it’s a big undertaking. But we’re also excited to see how far collective care can carry us.”

“Both Farah and I are empaths, and Farah brings the perspective of being a mum, which makes this cause even more personal. Together, we want to show that care, resilience, and community can carry us through even the most daunting challenges.”

Pooja Saini, Professor in Suicide and Self Harm Prevention said: “LJMU are excited to sponsor an LJMU student team to be involved in the Alfie's Squad Race for a Reason. We're looking forward to raising further funds for this great service that is helping children and their families following a bereavement by suicide.

“The research conducted with the Alfie’s Squad highlights the benefits of the intervention on improving confidence, self-esteem and reducing social isolation. We are confident that long term outcomes will also show how this service plays a role in suicide prevention and better long-term health outcomes for those attending."

You can support Salma and Farah's fundraiser.