Back in 2021, I brought the walk into Gibraltar in collaboration with Darkness Into Light. As someone who has lost loved ones to suicide—and in my darkest moments, even thought about ending my own life—this cause is deeply personal. I wanted to raise awareness, but more importantly, to create a greater sense of togetherness within our community, to show others that no one needs to face the darkness alone. The walk became that safe, healing space.
We started small, just 15 of us in that first year. Slowly, step by step, the numbers grew. By 2023, with the introduction of a new route, 60 people joined us. In 2024, we reached 90. That growth lit a spark in Brenda and me. We felt it was time to create something bold, something that belonged entirely to Gibraltar. An event where the funds raised here would stay here, supporting those in our community who need it most. We wanted a new name, a new energy, and a date that aligned with Suicide Prevention Month. And so, “Sunrise of Hope” was born.
On Saturday 13th September 2025, 140 people came together to share our very first sunrise under the Sunrise of Hope banner. It was more than just a walk—it was a turning point. For GibSams. For Gibraltar. For every single person who has been touched by suicide. It was a morning full of beauty, emotion, and above all, impact.We talk about hope a lot. It’s not always easy to put into words, but that morning, I saw it everywhere. I saw it in the faces of those who showed up. I saw it in the tears and determination shining in their eyes. I saw it in the quiet, sacred moments when silence said more than words ever could, and in the hands gently resting on shoulders, offering comfort. I felt it in the warmth of people who, despite their own grief or struggles, still chose to walk with us. That morning, I saw friendship. I saw kindness. I saw strength. I saw the most breathtaking dawn—and in it, I saw hope.
This event was only possible because of the incredible support of so many. My heartfelt thanks go efpg – Effective Financial Planning Group for their continued dedication to our community, allowing me the time to work on this event and in sponsoring the breakfast. A huge thank you also goes to The Little Rock Cafe for hosting us afterwards for the fourth year in a row! Thank you to the Walking Together Gibraltar Support Group for sponsoring t-shirts and to Sean for his moving speech. I am also grateful to St John Ambulance Gibraltar for keeping us safe, and to Gibraltar Cultural Services for opening the GEMA gallery for the children’s art competition. A special thank you also goes to Sweet Cravings Bakery for donating the most delicious cupcakes for our launch event, and to Saccone & Speed – Gibraltar Group of Companies for generously providing water. Thank you to Europa Point Stadium for opening early for our walkers, and to all the incredible GibSams volunteers whose time, energy, and commitment made the day possible.
To everyone who attended, supported, and helped make this year’s event the most powerful one yet—thank you, from the bottom of my heart.
💚 We couldn’t have done it without you 💚
And this is just the beginning. Planning is already underway for Sunrise of Hope 2026, which will take place on Saturday, 12th September 2026. We know it will be even bigger and more impactful than this year. In the meantime, we’ll continue to host other community events as we count down to our next sunrise together.
Please follow our Facebook page Sunrise of Hope Gibraltar for updates, upcoming events, and ways you can help share your hope with someone who may still be searching for theirs.
Together, we are making a difference. The best is yet to come.
With love and gratitude,
Scarlett Humphreys Marchant
Founder, Sunrise of Hope