3 Dads Walking – Andy Airey, Mike Palmer and Tim Owen – have been invited by Keswick Town Council to switch on the town’s Christmas lights.
The trio, who have all lost daughters to suicide, have completed two marathon hikes and raised tens of thousands of pounds for the charity Papyrus. The charity helps young people cope with life and prevent suicide
Andy, formerly of Threlkeld, worked at George Fisher Ltd in Keswick for 26 years and became director of the world famous outdoor equipment supplier. His daughter Sophie took her own life in Edinburgh aged 29.
The trio’s first walk covered 300 miles between their homes in Cumbria, Greater Manchester and Norfolk. They then completed a 600-mile walk from Belfast to London taking in all four UK parliaments and calling for suicide prevention to be made part of the school curriculum.
The lights switch-on will take place on Friday November 17 and will begin with a festive food and gift market from 10am in collaboration with Cumberland Council’s markets. There will be fun fair rides for children provided by Taylor’s, from Kendal, followed by entertainment from Keswick based group Local Vocals starting on the main stage at 6pm. The lights will be switched on at 7pm by the 3 Dads Walking, accompanied by the Mayor of Keswick, Cllr Steve Harwood.
Dog owners are asked to think carefully before bringing their pets to the light switch on as the Market Square becomes very busy and there will be loud music.
