RELATED: Span walk starts the conversation
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RELATED: Riders rumble against suicide
FRIENDS and family of those who have lost their lives to suicide took the opportunity to remember their loved ones and celebrate their lives during Sunday's SPAN walk.
Sarah Haig was 15 when her best friend Angela killed herself 12 years ago.
Sarah said she made it through the difficult time with the help of her friends.
"It was hard - I lost my best friend - but I had a good circle of friends and we all stuck together and looked after each other," she said.
She said there were far more support services available now than when Angela passed away.
"We didn't think about talking to anyone when we were sad when we were kids. Everyone is much more open now," she said.
Sarah said she hoped her own children would feel able to talk about any struggles they may be facing in the future.
Melanie Trevean lost her brother Jared to suicide eight years ago when he was 23.
While Jared had suffered from mental illness, Melanie said his death came as a huge shock as he had appeared to be improving.
She said her brother's passing took an enormous toll on their family.
Melanie said those struggling with mental illness needed to feel comfortable reaching out for help.
"They're not alone. It's okay to say to your friends that you're not okay," she said.
They're not alone. It's okay to say to your friends that you're not okay.
- Melanie Trevean
Ashlee and Stacie Wright also know the pain of losing a brother to suicide.
Their brother Gareth passed away ten years ago at the age of 18.
"He didn't seem sick, he had no history of mental illness, nothing," Ashlee said.
Stacie said those contemplating suicide should consider the impact it would have on those around them.
"Ten years on, it still has such a big effect on family and friends," she said.
Stacie said their brother had been surrounded by friends who cared for him.
"We celebrated our brother with 30 of his closest friends who he probably didn't realise had been there for him," she said.