Two fathers from Cumbria who have each lost a child to suicide have become united on a mission to save lives.
Myles Todd, of Cleator Moor, said his family has been left devastated by the death of his son Ashley, who took his own life in April.
His death shocked the local community and the world of motorsport where Ashley was a popular and respected figure in karting.
Around 800 people attended his funeral and the family requested all donations should go to the national charity Papyrus prevention of Young Suicide.
Andy Airey, of Morland in the Eden Valley, who lost his daughter Sophie to suicide in 2018, is now a trustee of Papyrus and agreed to accept more than £1,600 on behalf of the charity.
“We’d seen Andy as part of the 3 Dads Walking raising money for Papyrus and we knew what they were doing was well worth supporting. We also knew Andy was local and we were delighted when he agreed to meet us and collect the cheque,” said Myles.
“Ashley’s death came totally out of the blue and we keep asking ourselves why? Did we miss something? Andy knows what we are going through and we know this is something we have to talk about. As a family we are grieving and we really appreciate Andy’s understanding and his kind words of support.”
Ashley, who was 42, was passionate about karting and the owner of AMT Racing Ltd.
“He was our son, a dad, brother, uncle and friend who was loved by so many. Suicides can be prevented and if the money raised in Ashley’s memory helps just one person who is struggling then we will have really achieved something,” added Myles.
Andy’s daughter Sophie was 29 when she took her own life. Since her death he has dedicated his life to spreading greater awareness of suicide prevention. As part of the 3 Dads Walking he has helped to raise more than £850,000 for Papyrus.
Andy said: “Tragically Myles and his family are trying to come to terms with something which makes no sense at all. We all need to do everything we can to prevent other families suffering the same indescribable pain that we feel.
“By supporting Papyrus, those who loved Ashley can take comfort in the knowledge that the work they do directly saves young lives.”
