Three fathers who captured the nation’s hearts by walking in memory of the daughters they lost to suicide have announced they will trek again in support of a charity’s darkest hours fundraising appeal.
3 Dads Walking have responded to a stark warning from the national charity Papyrus Prevention of Young Suicide that it may have to cut back on its lifesaving services due to unprecedented financial pressures.
Andy Airey, of Morland, near Penrith, Mike Palmer, of North Wales and Tim Owen, of Norfolk hope their fourth UK walk will help raise money to keep the HOPELINE247 service operating through the night, when children and young people are struggling through their darkest hours.
The dads will walk a circuit of the Anglesey Coastal Path, setting off on June 14 and aim to cover more than 130 miles in eight days.
Ged Flynn, chief executive of Papyrus, said funding was urgently needed to maintain HOPELINE247 through the night.
Ged said: “Like many charities, we have seen a significant decline in donations since the cost of living crisis started to impact on the voluntary income we receive.
“At the same time we have seen an increase in demand for our professional services.
“Since our HOPELINE247 service went round-the-clock in the summer of 2023, we have seen an 86% increase in the number of contacts we received via text and emails. Last year there was a 66% increase in those reaching out via our webchat service.
“We are doing everything we can to protect our services, but we need help to be able to do so,” he said.
Andy, who lost his 29-year-old daughter Sophie to suicide in 2018, said: “Papyrus is an amazing charity which offers vital support.
“HOPELINE247 is now under threat and, as dads who have suffered the indescribable loss of a child to suicide, we are determined to do what we can to maintain this life-saving service round-the-clock.”
3 Dads Walking will also use their Anglesey trek to highlight how people living in remote areas can feel isolated, physically and emotionally.
Mike Palmer, whose 17-year-old daughter Beth died by suicide in 2020, said: “In rural areas mental health services and suicide prevention support is in limited supply.
“That means in communities like these HOPELINE247 may be the only thing that can help to keep young people safe from suicide, particularly in the darkest hours in the middle of the night when other services are not available to them.”
3 Dads Walking have become national heroes, having raised more than £1.4 million for Papyrus and promoting greater awareness of suicide prevention across the UK.
They completed their first challenge in 2021 by walking 300 miles.
A year later they trekked 600 miles, walking between the parliaments of all four nations from Northern Ireland through Scotland, Wales and England.
Last year they walked a further 500 miles from Scotland down through the eastern counties of England.
A few months later they were honoured with MBEs in the King’s Birthday Honours List.
Throughout they have been campaigning to see suicide prevention included in the school curriculum. They say children and young people need to be taught life-skills to help keep them safe from suicide.
Tim Owen, who lost his 19-year-old daughter Emily to suicide in 2020, says their next challenge is all about redoubling their fundraising efforts for Papyrus and protecting HOPELINE247.
“Our fourth walk is borne from the belief that children and young people should not be alone with thoughts of suicide. We know more precious young lives can and must be saved.
“Progress is being made but the fact is we hear of more tragic stories nearly every week.
“Smashing the stigma around mental health and suicide is our goal. With every step we’ll remember our girls and this gives us the courage to keep going and make a difference,” said Tim.
Papyrus has launched the first emergency appeal in its 28-year-history, with a fundraising target of £440,000 which would enable it to continue operating HOPELINE247 normally.
Ged added: “We are so grateful to the 3 Dads Walking for their incredible and continuing support. Adding a fourth challenge to what they have already achieved shows the remarkable energy and passion they share for saving young lives.”
To donate to the PAPYRUS emergency appeal go to justgiving.com/campaign/papyrusemergencyappeal
For more details about the 3 Dads Walking, their 2025 Anglesey Coastal Path challenge and to track their walk visit: www.3dadswalking.uk
