A group of friends from Sunderland are preparing to walk 45 miles from Alnwick Castle to the Stadium of Light in memory of Leon Pattinson, who took his own life aged 25 almost a year ago. The challenge aims to encourage conversations around men's mental health and raise funds for Leon's two-year-old daughter August and the charity Andy's Man Club.
100,000 steps for a Sunderland fan
Organised by close friend David Reed, the walk will cover 100,000 steps back to the Stadium of Light. “Leon was a huge Sunderland fan, he loved them with all his heart,” David said. “This walk means so much to all of us. Losing Leon has had a massive impact on everyone who knew and loved him, and we wanted to do something positive in his memory while supporting the people he cared about most, especially his little girl.”
Reflecting on his friend, David continued: “For all of us it was a cry for help... He was one them lads that came in the room and literally lit it up. He had the biggest smile in the world. He was the lad that done everything with anyone and never wanted to miss anything. He was always the one that wanted to ask how anyone was and how the kids were. So no one thought it would ever come to that.”
Walking through the night
The group will set off at 6pm on Friday and expect to walk for 16-19 hours through the night without stopping. Several close friends and Leon's sister, Emily, will take part on her birthday. “I have to give her massive credit. She didn't actually let anyone know when I was organising it as she knew we would have changed the date,” David said.
Members of the community will join en route near the Tyne Tunnel, and the walkers will detour to Leon's grave before arriving at the stadium. A charity fundraising event with games, prizes and competitions will take place later on Saturday at The Sky Lounge in Washington.
Community support and men's mental health
The group has already raised over £6,000, with local businesses sponsoring the event and donating more than 100 raffle prizes. “The support has honestly been incredible,” David added. “It really shows the strength of our community, and we can't thank everyone enough for getting behind us.”
The challenge also highlights men's mental health. Around 75% of all registered suicides in the UK are among men, and suicide is the single biggest cause of death for men under 50 in England and Wales. By supporting Andy's Man Club, the group hopes to encourage open conversations and break the stigma around men asking for help.
People are invited to join part of the route, cheer along the way, or attend the fundraising evening at The Sky Lounge. Donations can be made via the GoFundMe page.
