FAMILY, friends and supporters are preparing to step out in memory of a Barnard Castle man who took his own life last year.
Andrew Tobbell’s widow Claire and brother Ian will lead a 25.2-mile walk from Scar Top, in Barnard Castle, on Saturday, April 13.
They are raising funds for the support group ManHealth, which hosts a weekly session at The Witham for men suffering from depression and other mental health problems. A £500 online Justgiving crowdfunding target has already been surpassed, with almost £1,000 pledged.
Mr Tobbell was just 48 when he died, leaving behind his wife and their children Jack, 18, and 21-year-old Shannon.
On the Justgiving page, Ian describes his brother as someone who was loved by all and who “would do anything for anybody” .
He adds: “One day, he took his life and we will never know why.”
Ian said he had originally planned to do the Brighton marathon in memory of his brother, but realising he was “nowhere near that” came up with the idea of the walk instead.
The route will see walkers set off from Scar Top and head to Middleton-in-Teesdale along the Teesdale Way.
From Middleton, they will head to Mickleton along the old railway line and then back through Romaldkirk and Cotherstone to Barnard Castle.
Setting off at 8.30am, he expects the walk to be completed in about eight hours.
“We want as many people to join in as possible. You don’t have to walk the whole way – walk 100 yards, walk the whole lot – and people can join in at any point along the route,” said Ian.
“It would be nice to get some of his old friends and colleagues even just to do the last couple of miles.
“I would hope there will be 50 at least starting off, but really, the more, the merrier, so as many as possible.”
Specially-printed T-shirts featuring a picture of Mr Tobbell will be produced for his family to wear during the marathon.
Mr Tobbell had been part of Barnard Castle charity The Clique for 25 years and members will be out in force supporting the walk.
Ian said having recently established a group in Barnard Castle, ManHealth was a good cause to support.
“Being involved in The Clique, we try to keep things close to home and this is on our doorstep.”
Sponsorship forms for anyone wishing to contribute to the Walk for Andrew are being distributed around the town.
Anyone wishing to donate online can go to www.just
giving.com/crowdfunding/ walkforandrew
Meanwhile, more funds for Manhealth will be raised at a “Legends” sportsman’s evening with former England cricket legend Sir Ian Botham and ex-England football international Dave Thomas lined up as guest speakers.
Organised by The Clique, this will take place at Barnard Castle Cricket Club on Friday, May 17.
Tickets are going quickly for the event and details are on The Clique’s Facebook page.
