The Route

The idea was born out of a realisation that suicide is an epidemic touching all corners of Britain. Despair is touching young people everywhere and in all walks of life. Tim and I first spoke just weeks after we lost Emily and Beth, 156 miles separated us, yet together we had just joined the most tragic of clubs.

The word suicide and Beth never belonged in the same sentence. I did not have a clue about the extent of the problem, but PAPYRUS opened my eyes. Families everywhere were being devastated by the tsunami of suicide and so little was being done to raise awareness and create support networks for young people who were falling out with life.

First my idea was to link Tim and myself in a walk for PAPYRUS, but this was also for ourselves, to do something positive and hopefully stop other families going through unimaginable grief. We needed to fight back.

Then I heard of another recently bereaved dad. An outdoor type going by the name of Andy who was actively promoting PAPYRUS in the name of his daughter Sophie. By chance I met his son Gregor, made a phone call, found out where he lived and drew the lines on the now famous 2010 AA Road Map.

Andy took no persuasion. Being an OS Map connoisseur, he laughed heartily at my effort, but was on board. We were now 3 Dads.  

The actual route of 3 Dads Walking has obviously evolved from the ruler straight illustration. Andy, Tim and I have worked with the kind aid of OS and their donation of 17 maps each, creating 300 miles of mixed terrain walking that will take 15 days and bring our beloved daughters together.

I admit to being the third Dad in the map reading department to pre-empt any disparaging comments! Seriously, I may take the blame for this endeavour, but Tim and Andy have worked tirelessly to make it happen. Thanks chaps.

3 Dads, 3 Homes, 300 miles. Mike.