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Mother walks 270 miles for suicide prevention
6 Jun
Summary
- A mother completed a 270-mile walk to raise funds and awareness.
- The walk honored her son and aimed to prevent family tragedies.
- The challenge connected her to a mental health charity where her son worked.
Susan Dray, a mother from Wrexham, recently completed a remarkable 270-mile walk to Whitley Bay. This significant journey, which concluded on June 5th, 2026, would have marked her son Daniel Rogers' 38th birthday. Daniel was born and raised in Whitley Bay. The walk began on May 25th, 2026, from her hometown of Wrexham, passing through Wirral where Daniel later resided.
Dray's motivation stemmed from losing her son in 2021 and a deep desire to prevent other families from experiencing similar grief. Her challenge also served as a personal connection to Daniel, as she became involved with Advance Brighter Futures (ABF), a local mental health charity. This involvement revealed her son's past connection to ABF, transforming her project into a poignant 'full-circle moment'.
The initiative, part of the Baton of Hope Wrexham, aims to foster open conversations about suicide prevention and break down associated stigma. Dray expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support received, highlighting the positive impact of people opening up and sharing their experiences. Funds generated will be equally distributed between ABF and PAPYRUS, a national charity focused on preventing youth suicide.
