Shouldham’s Tim Owen completes another charity trek with Three Dads Walking

A Shouldham dad who has tirelessly fundraised for a suicide prevention charity has completed yet another mission.

Tim Owen, 55, a third of the Three Dads Walking group, set off last Saturday on an eight-day trek around a Welsh coastal path.

Tim completed the walk alongside fellow dads Mike Palmer, 60, from Anglesey, and Andy Airey, 64, from Cumbria, who have all lost a cherished daughter to suicide.

The trio’s latest walk of more than 140 miles saw them set off from Mike’s home village of Cemaes Bay to walk the length of the Ynys Môn/Anglesey Coastal Path, finishing their circuit back at Cemaes Bay this Saturday.

Since getting together as a result of their personal tragedies, they have raised more than £1.5million for charity PAPYRUS Prevention of Young Suicide.

On their eight-day trek, the dads faced many different terrains, from sandy beaches and hidden coves to rugged cliffs.

This year, they have raised more than £26,000.

During the walk, they were approached by members of the public, calling them an inspiration.

The dads said that their favourite part of the walk remains the same, the people they have met.

In a joint statement on social media, they said: “Every day, we were joined by incredible people - those who wanted to support us, feed us, walk with us, or share how suicide has touched their lives.

“We are so grateful to everyone who came out to meet us. It’s a privilege when people feel able to open up about the most emotional and challenging times in their lives — and it’s humbling when they say they leave feeling just a little lighter.”

Tim lost his daughter Emily in 2020 when she attempted to take her own life after not being able to cope with life under lockdown.

This was the culmination of years of struggles and a late diagnosis of autism, which was hidden to all but her closest friends and family. A talented artist and former student at the Art Academy East in Norwich, Emily, who worked at The King’s Arms in Shouldham, died five days later in hospital.

Fellow dad Andy lost his daughter Sophie in 2018 aged 29, and Mike lost his 17-year-old daughter Beth in 2020.

It is not the first time that Tim, Andy and Mike have completed a mammoth trek for the charity.

Last year, their walk brought them into Lynn, where they were greeted by the mayor and thanked for their efforts.