Mike Fawcett and Abi Horner walk 60 miles in 20 hours for 6 absent friends - 15th August

2020-21 was tough for many people, however it was extremely tough for the Walk and Talk family.

Mike Fawcett from the Walk & Talk family sadly lost 5 friends over a 12 month period, and Abi Horner was struggling with the loss of her dear friend and colleague Kashaani van Lancker. Kashaani tragically took her own life in her barracks whilst serving alongside Abi in the military. She was 21 years old.

All deaths are tragic, however what made some of these deaths all the more tragic, was the fact that of these 6 deaths, 5 were due to suicide. They were preventable.

The loss of so many friends, over such a short period of time, naturally hit Mike hard and culminated in him attempting to take his own life on 15th August 2020. It was whilst Mike was lying in Intensive Care in the Great Western Hospital in Swindon that he hit a turning point in his life and made a promise to himself to do whatever it takes to conquer his mental illness.

Both Mike and Abi have embarked on a series of physical challenges to help come to terms with their losses, and to increase awareness of mental health, whilst raising much needed funds for mental health charities and causes along the way.

Roll the clock forward 12 months and Mike and Abi are in a stronger place mentally and continue their challenges to increase awareness of mental health, plus to raise much needed funds for the organisation 'Walk & Talk for Mental Health', of which Abi was co-founder.

Walk & Talk funds various accredited mental health training and courses under 'The Elliot Project' banner. The project was set up by the Hennell family honour of their 'Number 1 Son' and Brother Elliot Hennell. Elliot was a fellow Grenadier Guardsman and friend of Mike's who tragically lost his fight with PTSD in July 2020.

So, on the 15th August Mike and Abi have decided to walk 60 miles in memory of 6 friends who died, and in support of those tragically left behind.

Mike and Abi will walk 10 miles back to back for each friend lost and hope to complete this in under 20 hours. They will be accompanied during various parts of the challenge by family and loved ones of those friends with the aim of walking and talking about fond memories of that person.

All the money raised will be split equally 6 ways and shall go to a nominated charity for each bereaved family.

To the memory of:

Kieran Davis

Howard Thatcher

Kashaani van Lancker

Greg Roscow

Elliot Hennell

Chris Lane

Thank you for all your donations.