Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page. I am taking part in a sponsored walk in memory of my friend Zak Pritchard. I need to raise £240 just to take part so please sponsor me!

Location: On Malvern Hills, start at North Quarry Car Park walk over 15 peaks and take the final push up to Chase End Hill

Event date: Saturday 29th August.

We attended University of Worcester together, and after he took his own life his parents started a charity Behind the Smile:

“On the Saturday of August bank holiday 2018, our son Zac, left the house in the morning and went up on the Malvern Hills where he ended his life. This August will be 8 years since we had that dreadful knock on the door, the pain and grief haven’t diminished. Zac was a caring loving person, but he had his own demons to battle with and tried to hide them behind his well-used mask. He had a strong sense of social justice, trying to do the ‘right thing’ and choosing to put others’ needs before his own.

After he died, we set up a charity Behind the Smile to reach out and support people like Zac who needed support but couldn’t find or access what they needed to help with their mental health. Those bereaved by suicide are around 4% more likely to attempt suicide compared to other types of loss. Our own grief journey made us aware of a lack of support for those bereaved or affected by suicide. So, we do what we can to also support those people.

This year, we’re taking on the full Malvern Hills end to end walk, over 15 ridges; with breathtaking views and over 6000ft of elevation gain. — a demanding but deeply meaningful challenge — in memory of Zac Pritchard. Zac’s life and spirit inspired the creation of Behind The Smile, a suicide prevention charity dedicated to raising awareness, breaking stigma, and supporting those struggling with mental health challenges.

By undertaking this tough 10.5-mile route, we’re walking not only for fitness and adventure, but also to honour Zac’s memory and help ensure that others find the support they need before it’s too late. Every step is for those we’ve lost and those still fighting.

We’re inviting friends, families, and supporters to join us — whether by taking part in the walk or by donating to Behind The Smile — to make a real difference in supporting people's mental health, those bereaved and affected by suicide, with the aim in preventing suicide.”

About the Challenge register to take part here: https://donate.giveasyoulive.com/charity/behind-the-smile/event/malvern-hills-ridge-walk-10-5-miles-for-smiles

This full-day trek follows the entire Malvern Hills ridge from north to south, covering 15 peaks and a continuous pattern of climbs and descents. It’s physically demanding but achievable for fit walkers, offering sweeping views over Herefordshire, Worcestershire, and Gloucestershire at every summit.

if you want to take part in the walk too why not register on the link above and start your own sponsorship page!