With Cumbria facing the highest average rate of suicide in the country, a supermarket giant has sprung into action.

According to data from the Office for National Statistics released late in 2023, the county has recorded the two highest districts for suicide rates.

In response, Tesco stores in Carnforth, Barrow, Millom, Carlisle, Workington and Whitehaven successfully harnessed the generosity of customers and staff alike, raising a commendable £5,371 for Every Life Matters in the run up to Christmas.

The funds raised will be crucial for Every Life Matters to continue their remedial work.

Whitehaven Tesco store manager Jonny Birdsall said: "With Cumbria having such a high level of suicide, we thought it very important that we helped support the great work that this charity is doing through the power of our colleagues and customers."

The Mail: Tesco has raised more than £5k to help towards suicide prevention in the county Tesco has raised more than £5k to help towards suicide prevention in the county (Image: Stock)

Suicide prevention charity, Every Life Matters, aids those bereaved by suicide and works in schools, striving to influence societal change and challenge the stigma around suicide.

Chris Wood, Co-founder and CEO of Every Life Matters, shared his gratitude to Tesco for its contribution.

READ MORE: Cumberland Council put in place suicide action plan

He said: "We are bowled over by the staff and customers of Tesco’s generosity in raising us a massive £5,731.

"The funds are sorely needed in Cumbria, both to help us educate our local communities in suicide prevention skills and also to ensure that we can continue to support families facing the loss of a loved one to suicide, perhaps one of the most traumatic forms of bereavement we can experience.”

With Tesco's donation, Every Life Matters can work towards their long-term goal of making Cumbria a suicide-free county.