**Three Bereaved Fathers Trek 130 Miles Across Anglesey to Champion Young Suicide Prevention**
Three fathers, united by the heart-rending loss of their daughters to suicide, have completed an arduous 130-mile walk around the Anglesey coastal path, aiming to bolster support and funding for the Papyrus Prevention of Young Suicide charity. Their efforts are a poignant reminder of the profound personal and communal cost of suicide, and the pressing need to safeguard vital support services for young people grappling with mental health crises.
Mike Palmer from North Wales, Andy Airey from Cumbria, and Tim Owen from Norfolk embarked on the eight-day trek, not just in memory of their daughters—Beth Palmer, Sophie Airey, and Emily Owen—but to spotlight the essential role of Papyrus’ Hopeline247 service. This confidential helpline, available through the night, offers crucial lifelines to children and young people at risk, many of whom lack alternative local resources, especially in rural communities.
Mike Palmer, whose 17-year-old daughter Beth died in 2020, reflected on the urgency of their cause. “In rural regions, mental health services and immediate suicide prevention support are often hard to come by. For many, Hopeline247 can be the sole source of support during moments of acute crisis, especially late at night when most services are closed,” he explained.
The fathers’ campaign comes at a precarious time for Papyrus, as the Hopeline247 service faces potential cutbacks because of financial shortfalls. Andy Airey, who lost his daughter Sophie at the age of 29 in 2018, spoke about their determination to preserve this vital support for others. “As fathers who have experienced the indescribable pain of losing a child to suicide, we feel compelled to do what we can to keep this round-the-clock service running,” he shared.
Tim Owen, whose 19-year-old daughter Emily died by suicide in 2020, emphasised the importance of standing with young people facing dark thoughts. “Our Anglesey trek—our fourth walk for this cause—was driven by the belief that no child or young person should be left to face suicide ideation alone. We know that with ongoing dedication, more precious lives can and must be saved. Though efforts are ongoing, every week we hear of new tragedies, underscoring the work still to be done,” Owen stated.
The trio’s collective fundraising initiatives under the “3 Dads Walking” banner have already garnered approximately £1.5 million and earned them MBEs in the King’s Birthday Honours List. This latest Anglesey challenge aimed to add at least £30,000 to their total—a figure they are confident of reaching. Previous walks have seen them cover distances as great as 600 miles, passing through parliamentary centres in all four UK nations.
Papyrus Chief Executive Ged Flynn expressed deep gratitude for the fathers’ unwavering commitment, noting that their help arrives at a critical juncture. “We have witnessed a significant dip in donations as the cost of living crisis diminishes voluntary giving, even while demand for our services intensifies. Since extending our Hopeline247 programme to operate 24/7 in mid-2023, requests for support via text and email have soared by 86%, and our webchat service saw an increase of 66% last year. Maintaining our round-the-clock helpline is now more challenging and more necessary than ever.”
The dads also used the walk as an opportunity to highlight rural isolation and the particular vulnerabilities faced by those living far from large population centres. Without accessible, round-the-clock mental health support, young people in these areas can be especially at risk during moments of crisis.
Their ongoing fundraising efforts not only support the continuation of Hopeline247 but also aim to break down the lingering stigma surrounding mental health struggles and suicide. With every mile walked, the fathers hope to open up conversations and encourage more young people and their families to seek help.
Donations to Papyrus’ emergency appeal can be made through their official channels. For those seeking confidential and practical advice about suicide prevention, Papyrus can be reached at 0800 068 4141, by texting 88247, or emailing pat@papyrus-uk.org.
Their remarkable journey demonstrates the power of collective action, personal courage, and community support in addressing one of the most challenging issues faced by young people and their families today. The fathers’ determination, in spite of their own immense loss, continues to inspire national conversations and vital fundraising that could potentially save lives.