THREE dads who lost their young daughters to suicide battled wind and rain, made an appearance on TV and got a major boost from a football legend during the second week of their 300-mile charity trek.

The 3 Dads Walking, made up of Andy Airey from Cumbria, Mike Palmer from Greater Manchester and Tim Owen from Norfolk had an eventful pit stop as they reached Mr Palmer’s hometown.

The men are walking to each of their homes across the country in aid of suicide prevention charity PAPYRUS.

Walking in memory of their daughters Sophie, a former Kirkbie Kendal School pupil, Beth and Emily, the men’s mission is to raise awareness of suicide prevention and promote the professional help and support that is available to struggling young people.

After appearing on BBC Breakfast’s red sofa, the trio paid a visit to Old Trafford and were introduced to Manchester United’s Lou Macari, who also lost his son to suicide.

His foundation donated £10,001 to the men’s fundraiser, which now stands at £331,957.

There was an emotional walk-through Mr Palmer’s home of Sale and children came out to support the men as they walked past Emily’s primary school.

From Manchester the men continued their journey towards the finish line at Mr Owen’s home in Norfolk, which they expect to reach by October 23.

They have so far travelled through Poynton, Buxton, Matlock, Mansfield, Nottingham-where Andy suffered with a big blister on his foot and had to be attended to, Newark and Lincolnshire.

Throughout their journey the dads have been joined by supporters and have also spoken to other people who have experienced loss to suicide.

In their latest blog post 3 Dads Walking wrote: “Another suicide-bereaved dad walked the full route with us today, he lost his son in March; he joined us to talk about his experience, our stories and possible ways ahead.

“A father trying to find a positive way forward, hopefully we’ve helped him begin to think about how to build a legacy for his son.”

For practical, confidential suicide prevention help and advice please contact PAPYRUS HOPELINEUK on 0800 068 4141, text 07860 039967 or email pat@papyrus-uk.org