From Threlkeld to 3 Dads Walking- Illustrated Talk by Andy Airey
A poignant talk by Andy Airey, born in Threlkeld, of how he achieved something positive after the unexpected suicide of his daughter, Sophie, in 2018. When looking for a charity to support at Sophie’s funeral he found Papyrus and has fund-raised for them since. In 2021 he formed “3 Dads Walking” with 2 other bereaved fathers, Tim Owen and Mike Palmer. They walked over 300miles raising funds for Papyrus, a suicide prevention charity, and encouraged people to talk about suicide prevention. A second and third walk followed. Entry £2 on the door. Bar and Box Office from 7pm.
The talk will cover growing up in Threlkeld before moving on to the 3 Dads Walking Story. It starts with the tragedies that shattered their individual lives beyond understanding. However, there is hope in the story with how the idea of 3 Dads Walking came about and what happened on their first walk in 2021. In 2022 they walked again, this time over 600 miles between the four parliament buildings of the UK as part of their campaign to make suicide prevention lessons compulsory in schools. They ran a petition alongside the walk. A third walk is underway in 2024.
There is a thread of hope running through their story which is ultimately uplifting. Initially it’s about how those bereaved by suicide can learn to live after the loss of their loved one, but it goes on to explain how we can all help those lost in desperation that can lead to suicide, by signposting where to reach out for help, what help is out there and how to become more aware of suicide prevention.
Threlkeld Village Hall, Monday, 16th September 7:30pm. Bar and Box Office from 7pm. Entry £2, on the door.