In loving memory of Lydia Barry - A kind hearted soul we lost too soon

$400 donated

Given by 10 generous donors in around 3 months

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Fundraising for I Am Hope Foundation

Canterbury

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Lydia Barry was my friend and on Wednesday the 30th of November, 2022, she committed suicide. It destroyed me to hear that she was gone. Only a month before I'd been showing off my septum piercing to her on Snapchat and she'd been commenting how we were 'twins'. Now she was gone. I didn't even know how to feel. I was devastated and lost and couldn't begin to think about how her family felt at that moment. All I knew was that I had to do something.

In memory of the incredible human that Liddy was I'm going to run a marathon in her name. As I write this I can almost see her looking at me completely dumbfounded and saying "A marathon? Are you insane? You don't even run..." but I need to do this in her name. Each year we lose too many people to suicide and the ripple effect on families, friends, and loved ones is colossal. If you can give even 50c to donate to I am Hope in memory of Lydia I will be thankful. Your donation could save someone's life and in turn, save the lives of the hundreds of people that care about them. Thank you.

I met Lydia back when I was working at Pak N' Save with her in 2015. She used to laugh about how much I'd mess around. I used to spend so many days and evenings at Lydia's place just procrastinating my studies but she always made me feel like I wasn't intruding (I was...). Lydia was always supportive & encouraging. That's how she was with everyone. She deserves to be remembered and she will be.

2 Weeks Out 19 April 2024

Hi everybody,

Thank you for the support you have given to this cause. It means a lot to know that this money can help others who are going through tough times.

This morning I went to a local group called 445 Run Club. It's my third week going to this club that meets at 4:45 a.m. on Friday mornings. The idea behind the group is to push you outside of your comfort zone so you can be a better version of yourself. Each week, I've been focusing on having new conversations with people I don't know. Honestly, I'm pretty bad at socialising and don't have a lot of friends around me where I live. In saying that, I also know the power that friends and family have on our mental health and know I need to push myself to be better.

With only two weeks until the marathon, my body is putting me through the ringer. My shins hurt, my ankles hurt, and my left knee feels like it's about to explode. My partner and Mum have asked me if I will pull out of the race. The answer remains the same - An emphatic NO. Yes, my body hurts, but I'm doing this for more than just myself.

I know with Lydia's memory that I will get over the line (Regardless of what state my body is in).

For those of you who haven't seen my journey on social media, I've included some pictures from my training over the year. I've run over 500km so far this year to train for this challenge, now it's just to get over the final hurdle.

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Sandra, Clint & Cam on 17 Apr 2024

Kurt thanks for sharing your thoughts and memories of Lydia. We were absolutely devastated by her loss and although we always knew she had touched many, it was only with her passing that we have found out truly how wide this was, both on the Gold Coast and here. She always put others before herself and was loved and admired by so many with a beautiful group of friends which makes her loss even harder to understand. We wish you all he best with the marathon, the fact that you are prepared to take on such a massive challenge in Lydia’s memory means a lot. No doubt she is giving you the special Liddy look at the enormity of that. Our heartfelt thanks for helping to remember and acknowledge what a special person our daughter and sister was and we wish you well with your training. Clint, Sandra and Cam

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Kurdt Webber

Dear Clint, Sandra, and Cam, Your words mean a lot. Liddy always spoke so highly of you all and I wish that we hadn't just met in passing at her old place by Riccarton Mall. I can't begin to understand your loss but I do miss Lydia and think about her a lot. There have been so many times this year that I have wanted to give up this challenge and found myself in a dark place. It is the memory of Lydia that pulls me through in these moments. Thank you for your well wishes and encouragement on this journey. Aroha nui, Kurdt.