Three fathers, including one from Sale, who set out to achieve something positive following the deaths of their daughters have each been awarded an MBE.

The 3 Dads Walking, known for their mammoth fundraising walks, have all been recognised in the King's Birthday Honours List for their charity work.

They are made up of Mike Palmer from Sale, Andy Airey from Cumbria and Tim Owen from Norfolk, who have become national heroes for raising awareness and helping to save young lives. 

Mike, Andy and Tim's fundraising work is done for the North West-based charity PAPYRUS Prevention of Young Suicide in memory of their respective daughters, Beth, Sophie and Emily.

In a joint statement, the trio said: “The money raised has supported PAPYRUS’ expansion plans to open more hubs in communities across the UK and extend the operating hours of its emergency helpline, HOPELINE247, where people can talk to suicide prevention professionals at any time of any day.

“Their work saves lives but we, as a nation, can do more. We can save more lives by educating our young people around the risk they face. Suicide remains the biggest killer of under 35s in the UK, so let’s give them the suicide prevention skills to keep themselves and others safe.”

Just last month, the 3 Dads completed their third national walk, trekking 500 miles from Scotland to Norwich, and in total, the trio have raised more than £1.4m for PAPYRUS.

Ged Flynn, chief executive of PAPYRUS, which has its head office in Warrington, said: “We are delighted that the 3 Dads Walking have been honoured by their country for the remarkable impact they have had and the young lives they have undeniably helped to save.

“Brought together by the tragedy and trauma of suicide - which shattered their lives and the lives of those around them - Andy, Mike and Tim set out to achieve something positive following the loss of their daughters Sophie, Beth and Emily.

“In so doing they created something extraordinary, which captured the nation’s hearts.  

“Their three walks across the UK have raised more than £1.4 million pounds for PAPYRUS but history will record their true legacy as priceless. Together they have helped to start conversations in homes and communities where families were unable or unwilling to discuss suicide.

“These proud fathers, each trying to deal with their own grief in their own way, found a positive path forward together and are now rightly honoured as our heroes.”