Yahoo News Three dads trekking 500 miles for suicide prevention charity end up at Lincs bride and groom's wedding
Three dads walking from Scotland to Norwich in memory of their daughters who tragically died by suicide were given a welcome to remember during their stint in Lincolnshire - and even walked into the wedding of a pair of newlyweds.
On Friday, which marked day 17 of their 500-mile trek, Mike Palmer, Andy Airey and Tim Owen arrived at the Humber Bridge where they were greeted by 50 people, many of whom had lost loved ones to suicide, and walked across the bridge with them.
One of their supporters was Adrian Ellis, who lost his son George to suicide in 2021 and has worked tirelessly in the years since to help others who are struggling and educate people about suicide prevention.
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Adrian accompanied the three dads through Barton with a police escort, alongside the Mayor of Barton and many others, before arriving at the George Inn pub where pupils from Baysgarth School interviewed them about suicide prevention. They then walked to Baysgarth Park to visit George's bench.
The following day, after leaving Bigby at 7.30am, Mike, Andy and Tim were walking along the Viking Way in Tealby when they came across a newlywed couple having their photographs taken - and cheekily managed to squeeze themselves into a few shots.
A supporter of the 3 Dads Walking challenge who were with them told Grimsby Live: "As they were going through Tealby the wedding was happening, we could hear the church bells ringing. Then we saw the bride and groom having their photos taken in Bayones Park and they happed to photobomb them. I joked to the couple, 'you need these three guys in your photo'.
"I could see them looking at me thinking, 'why?', but then the penny dropped and they realised who they were because they'd seen them on TV, and they asked for a photo. It was lovely."
The 3 Dads Walking blog reads: "As we left Tealby we did something we’d never done before... walked into a wedding! Josh and Liv were having their wedding photographs taken and our route took us right through the middle of their group – we were invited to be photographed(!). Should look good in their wedding album! Congratulations to Liv and Josh!"
In memory of Mike's daughter Beth, Andy's daughter Sophie and Tim's daughter Emily, who each sadly took their own lives aged 17, 29 and 19 respectively, the three dads are taking part in the Walk of Hope for the third year running, with all funds going directly to the PAPYRUS Prevention of Young Suicide charity.
Having already raised more than £1 million for the charity through their walks, they have now raised nearly £110,000 of their £150,000 goal. You can donate by clicking here.
If you are having thoughts of suicide or are concerned for a young person who might be you can contact HOPELINE247 for confidential support and practical advice. Call: 0800 068 4141, Text: 07860 039 967 or Email: pat@papyrus-uk.org.
