I have been a high school teacher for 23 years, in the last four years 8 of our former pupils have sadly taken their own lives. I will be walking in memory of Louis Gunning who tragically passed away on June 28th 2021. Louis was more than a former pupil, he was a family friend who will be sadly missed by all who knew him. All money raised will go directly to Papyrus. I don't want to wake up again to the news that another young life has been lost. A small group of us will be retracing the steps Louis took on his Bronze  Duke of Edinburgh Award expedition, the goal is 18 miles but if we can reach the 19 mile mark before October 13th, we will have walked 19 miles in time for what would have been Louis' 19th birthday.

Suicide is the biggest killer of young people under 35 in the UK. PAPYRUS is the national charity for the prevention of young suicide and believes that many young suicides are preventable. They operate HOPELINEUK, a confidential call, text, and email helpline for young people with thoughts of suicide or those concerned about a young person who may have thoughts of suicide. Every £5 raised can help pay for a potentially life-saving contact to HOPELINEUK from a young person wanting to stay safe from their thoughts of suicide. Thank you.