Nicole Kidman donates to Manchester dad’s suicide awareness walk in memory of daughter

Three dads, including one from Manchester, who did a heartbreaking walk for a suicide prevention charity have received Hollywood backing.

A-list film star Nicole Kidman has donated thousands of pounds to 3 Dads Walking.

The trio of fathers, which includes Mike Palmer from Sale, trekked 300 miles in memory of the daughters they lost to suicide and reached the finishing line on Saturday (23 October).

The celebrity cash boost means the dads’ effort for North West suicide prevention charity PAPYRUS has now brought in an extraordinary sum of more than half a million pounds.

Kidman is not the first celebrity to back their efforts, as former James Bond actor Daniel Craig and Manchester United legend Lou Macari have also supported the walk.

Who are the 3 Dads Walking?

The 3 Dads Walking are Sale father Mike, Andy Airey from Cumbria and Tim Owen.

Each of them has known the tragedy of losing their daughter to suicide.

Mike’s daughter Beth was 17 when she died in March 2020, while Tim lost his 19-year-old daughter Emily to suicide in the same month and Andy’s 29-year-old daughter Sophie took her own life in 2018.

In their memories, the dads decided to walk 300 miles across the country to raise money for PAPYRUS, which has its head offices in Warrington and works to prevent people completing suicide.

They set off on their challenge on 9 October and reached their destination of Shouldham in Norfolk, Tim’s home village, on Saturday.

How much did the celebrities donate and how did they hear about the walk?

Hollywood actor Nicole Kidman has donated £10,000.

She said she had seen the story on national TV news and been “profoundly moved” by what the three dads were doing and the tragic circumstances.

Former 007 Daniel Craig has already donated £10,000 to the walk, while Man Utd legend Lou Macari chipped in £10,001.

She told PAPYRUS: “I saw Mike, Andy and Tim’s story on BBC Breakfast News and was profoundly moved by their extraordinary undertaking – what they were walking for, and why.

“Covering 300 miles across the country for PAPYRUS in memory of their daughters – raising money for this vital charity, so that other families would not experience the loss and devastation of losing a child to suicide.

“Three completely brilliant dads, doing a completely brilliant thing, to benefit so many.

“Ahead of them finishing their epic trek on Saturday, and inspired by Daniel Craig who backed them at the outset of their journey, I am matching his £10,000 to support their excellent fund-raising efforts.

“Given the circumstances of the past 18 months and the impact of the pandemic, especially on the young, their work is particularly important right now.

“I would like to dedicate my donation to the memory of Beth, Sophie and Emily.”

How much has now been raised?

The walk has now brought in more than £551,000 for PAPYRUS, which aims to reduce the number of young people who take their own lives by breaking down the stigma around suicide and equipping people with the skills to recognise and respond to suicidal behaviour.

The charity runs HOPELINEUK, a helpline service providing practical advice and support to young people struggling with suicidal thoughts or adults who may have concerns about someone.

Suicide is the biggest killer of young people in the UK, the charity says.

What has the reaction been to the walk?

Mike spoke of his gratitude at the generosity of the latest high-profile supporter of the 15-day walking challenge.

He said: “Nicole Kidman says she was moved by our individual stories of loss and touched by what we dads have collectively set out to achieve.

“We’d like to say a big thank to Nicole for her generous donation and to every single person who has supported us every step of the way.”

Ged Flynn, chief executive of PAPYRUS, says the walk has been a life-saver.

“The three dads epitomise what our charity is all about, turning the tragedy of young suicide into hope,” Mr Flynn said.

“Many young suicides are preventable. As the dads end their walk, may the stories of those touched by young suicide continue to enable more life-saving conversations.

“It is remarkable that these proud fathers, who are each trying to deal with their own grief in their own way, have found such a positive path forward together.”

The dads said that along the way they have been able to have a lot of powerful conversations about this difficult and sensitive issue.

Tim said they were told by one lady that after seeing them on television she was able to have a frank and open discussion about suicide with her children, and he hoped more families will now feel they can do the same.

What else do I need to know?

The walking challenge may be over but you can still donate to the fund-raiser via the dads’ Just Giving page.

For practical, confidential suicide prevention help and advice please contact PAPYRUS’ HOPELINEUK on 0800 068 4141, text 07860 039967 or email [email protected]