30 years ago, in 1988 my family suffered the devastation of losing our youngest brother and son Paul. Paul took his own life and there was absolutely no outward signs to his friends or family that he was in any way struggling, either emotionally or mentally.

Time is a healer in one way, but really you just learn to live with the grief and learn to live with your loved one not being around anymore.

This year 2018 will see the 30th anniversary of Paul’s passing, and we as a family have decided to mark the anniversary by walking a 25 mile stretch of the Route 66 canal walk.

The Route

This ROUTE 66 is the Sustrans 132 mile trail that runs from Kingston upon Hull to Manchester.

Our section of the walk for the day (approx 25 miles / 9 hours) includes the 66 Bridges that run between Sowerby Bridge and Castleton.

Charities

We will be raising money for two charities, namely:

‘Andy’s Man Club’ - a charity that encourages men to talk about any mental health issues or emotional or financial worries that they may have.

Research shows that suicide is the biggest killer of men aged between 20-49 in the UK.

The other charity is: ‘State of Mind’. This is a sports based charity that helps people who are suffering mental health problems caused by either loss or bereavement and helps them to find a way back to feeling fit and healthy again.

We ask that you would please consider donating sponsorship money to these two very worthy causes and to help us to raise both funds and awareness regarding mental health, suicide, and the devastation it can cause to families and loved ones.