Joanne Murray

Steps for Sammy

Nine months ago the world lost a beautiful, talented soul.  My incredible nephew lost his life to mental health and left a world that was perhaps too horrible for this sensitive young man.

Sam’s memorial was a celebration of his amazing art, an incredible art exhibition of his amazing work.  As I looked around the room, which was full of people from all walks of Sam’s life, I wondered how someone who was and is so deeply loved could feel so alone.

I am walking in memory of Sam but also in support of his family.  The devastating loss of Sam has impacted our family in such a profound way and my heart hurts to see the intense grief and trauma that his beautiful parents and brothers now bear.  His grandfathers, aunties and uncles and cousins also deeply feel the loss of someone so intrinsically important to our family.

I am walking in the hope that the vital work done by the Black Dog Institute can help young men like Sam and families like ours.

Throughout October I will be walking as often as I can and on Saturday 18 October, our family and friends will come together for a special walk in memory of Sam in Melbourne.  We are walking to honour Sam and to shine a light on the urgent youth mental health crisis in Australia. It will be a chance to come together in compassion, connection and remembrance and an opportunity to walk past some of Sam's street art and the work of other creatives who, like him, expressed themselves on our city's walls.

We will meet at 1pm at Yarra Bank Reserve, Hawthorn (off Creswick St) for a relaxed 10km walk, before returning to the reserve for a bbq.

By joining us, or by supporting the cause through donation,  you'll be helping the Black Dog Institute continue it's vital work in youth mental health research, prevention and support.