Members from Penrith Walking Football Club have joined the support for one of their members, Andy Airey, with his latest challenge.
Andy, along with Mike Palmer and Tim Owen, are 3 Dads Walking and are undertaking their fourth UK walk to help raise funds to support and maintain suicide prevention charity Papyrus’ 24 hour support service.
The 3 Dads all lost daughters to suicide. Collectively they have raised more than £1.4 million for Papyrus having completed numerous fundraising challenges since they first walked 300 miles in 2021, and were all honoured with MBEs in the King’s Birthday Honours List.
Their latest challenge will see them embark on a more than 130-mile trek around the Anglesey Coastal Path, which they aim to complete in eight days starting today, Saturday June 14.
As well as raising money they also hope to raise awareness about the isolation people in rural areas often feel and therefore how vital services like Papyrus can be in keeping young people safe from suicide, and to continue to raise support for their ongoing campaign to make suicide prevention a compulsory part of the school curriculum.
Penrith Walking Football Club Member and Cumberland FA grassroots football director, John Rogerson said: “The walking football group donated £300 towards the charity and the lads (or should it be old men) gave another £140 on the day and I am sure those people who were not present will donate through their Just Giving page.”
Ged Flynn, chief executive of Papyrus, 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.”
For more information on the 3 Dads and their challenge or to donate, visit www.3dadswalking.uk
