Three dads have completed a 600-mile trek in memory of the daughters they lost to suicide.
The fathers finished close to their target of raising £1million for the national charity PAPYRUS Prevention of Young Suicide.
The dads are also well on their way to securing 100,000 signatures* which could force a debate on suicide prevention in the House of Commons.
Tim Owen from Norfolk, Mike Palmer from Greater Manchester and Andy Airey from Cumbria have spent the past four weeks walking between each of the four UK Parliaments.
They trekked from Northern Ireland through Scotland and Wales before ending their challenge at Westminster.
Tim, from Shouldham, said: “It has been a long journey but worth every single step. On the way we have met some truly remarkable people who, like us, have been bereaved by suicide. There are so many with stories like ours.
“They stood shoulder-to-shoulder with us and they have walked with us, all of us determined that no other families should have to go what we are going through.”
The 3 Dads Walking are calling for suicide prevention to be included in the school curriculum. So far their online petition has attracted more than 84,000 signatures.
They have raised more than £958,500 and hope to smash the £1 million mark.
At the start of their walk the Hollywood actor Daniel Craig sent a heartfelt message of support.
In a surprise video message to the bereaved fathers, Mr Craig described them as “truly, truly heroic.”
The actor has already donated £10,000 to PAPYRUS.
Mike Palmer from Sale in Greater Manchester said: “It just shows that we are getting suicide talked about. That’s the whole point of why we are doing this.
“We need to smash the stigma around suicide and get people having important conversations which can help to save young lives.
“If our daughters had been more aware of suicide prevention and knew help and support was available they could be here right now.”
The dads have been walking in memory of their daughters 17-year-old Beth Palmer, 19-year-old Emily Owen and Sophie Airey who was aged 29.
Last year the 3 Dads Walking teamed-up to trek 300-miles between their homes. This year’s challenge was twice that distance.
Ged Flynn, chief executive of PAPYRUS, said: “These three fellas have done a remarkable thing. Together they have helped to educate the whole of the UK and told young people that if life gets tough we are always here for you.”
More information about 3 Dads Walking can be found on their website: https://www.3dadswalking.uk/
Ends
*The dads have now hit their target of over 100,000 signatures on their petition!
