Tom's Walk returns on May 31

DEVON -- This year's ‘Tom's Walk’ for mental health is set to take place this Sunday.

The annual fundraiser honours the memory of Tom Maxwell, a Devon resident who passed away due to metal health related issues in 2018. Just six weeks after Tom's passing, his mother, Kelly, helped launch the memorial walk to raise awareness for mental health challenges and to share stories of hope.

"We wanted to take a walk of tragedy and turn it into a walk of hope," said Maxwell. "The goal is to raise awareness of mental health challenges; we wanted it to be a safe and welcoming space where we normalize talking about mental health and suicide. It's a place where we can share our stories, good and bad, support one another, and honour the memories of those we've lost." 

Tom Maxwell passed away just four days before his 24th birthday on March 30, 2018, after battling bipolar disorder and schizophrenia for many years. Kelly says that her son was a wonderful person with many highly redeeming qualities. 

"He was such a presence," said Maxwell. "He was charismatic, talented, smart, goofy; somebody who had strong emotions for everyone. He struggled in his elementary years being bullied, which intensified in him the desire to connect with people, and he did with so many." 

The Tom's Walk for Mental Health Society also share mental health resources, hosts fundraising events, and creates opportunities for connection and support throughout the year. Kelly says their goal is to spread hope, strengthen resilience, and help ensure that no one has to navigate their mental health journey alone.

This year's 5K walk will take place on Sunday, May 31, with registration getting underway at the Devon Alliance Church at 12:30 p.m. From there, the walk will begin starting at 1:00 p.m. from the church to Voyageur Park (the large field east of the boat launch). The event will include various family activities at the park, including face painting, kids' activities, a local vendor market, an open mic for music and spoken word poetry, delicious food, and more.

For more information on this year's Tom's Walk, you can head to https://sites.google.com/view/tomswalk/home