Three dads have raised more than £1 million for a national suicide prevention charity after their daughters took their own lives.
Andy Airey, from Cumbria, Mike Palmer, from Greater Manchester, and Tim Owen, from Norfolk, all lost their daughters to suicide.
Andy, who lives in the Eden Valley, lost his daughter Sophie Airey when she ended her life on December 19, 2018. The 29-year-old, who worked as an oncology nurse in Edinburgh, died the day before she was due to return to Cumbria for Christmas.
Mike, who works as a firefighter, also lost his daughter Beth Palmer when she took her own life. The 17-year-old was training to become a vocal artist and she performed at local venues. Her dad believes her decision was "impulsive" and a reaction to having her life changed by the coronavirus pandemic and the lockdown.
Tim's daughter Emily Owen decided she couldn't cope under the covid-19 lockdown and attempted to take her own life on March 18, 2020. The 19-year-old, who was a talented artist, died in hospital five days later.
The three men have completed two fundraising walks together in memory of their beloved daughters. They originally set out to raise around £3,000 each for PAPYRUS Prevention of Young Suicide. Their current total now stands at £1,004,709.
In addition to raising money and awareness, the 3 Dads Walking want to see children and young people taught life-skills in the classroom. Their online petition to have suicide prevention included on the school curriculum has collected more than 126,000 signatures, which should prompt a debate in the House of Commons.
Andy said: "In 2021 we walked 300-miles between our homes and in 2022 we walked twice that distance, 600-miles between the parliaments of all four nations, from Northern Ireland through Scotland, England and Wales. It was a long journey but worth every single step. What could be more important than the wellbeing of our children and saving young lives?"
Mike said: "We set out hoping to raise a few thousand pounds each. We then raised our target as the generous donations came in. All we can say is that we have been completely overwhelmed by public kindness and generosity. Thank you to every single person who has supported us and continues to support us."
Tim added: "We need to do something positive in their memory and hopefully that’s what we’re doing. I’m not saying we’ve done it because we’re still doing it, and we’ll keep on going until it’s done."
Hollywood actors Daniel Craig and Nicole Kidman each donated £10,000 to the 3 Dads during their first walk last year. Former footballer and manager Lou Macari, who lost his son to suicide, also made a donation.
Ged Flynn, chief executive of PAPYRUS, said: "The 3 Dads Walking have captured the nation’s hearts. In these days of financial uncertainty, people have dug deep to support them in their efforts to raise much-needed funding for our charity.
"Together with the 3 Dads Walking, they have refused to see young suicide as inevitable. Together they have shared real passion for our young people and given them new hope. Together they have helped to save young lives.”
More information about 3 Dads Walking can be found here.
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