After the devastating loss of John-Thomas Howard on 26 July, his friends and relatives came together to raise money for men’s mental health.

The group completed a very hard 84-mile walk of Hadrian’s Wall, starting on Friday 25 September.

They ached, were sore and slept in cold tents but they all pushed through and finished the walk on Tuesday 29 September.

On the final day they were joined by John-Tom’s son and nephew, little John-Thomas and Joel, for the last stretch of 17 miles.

They all did absolutely brilliantly!

All funds raised have been donated to MEND (Men Empowering New Direction) a men’s mental health charity that is very close to home.

A gofundme account was set up with a target of £2000, but the amount donated to MEND was £5184.34.

Sammi-Jo Pavlou said: “I want to say a really big thank you to everyone that donated and shared the fundraiser, it’s really appreciated.

“A very big ‘well done’ to all that participated in the walk, you smashed it!

“We couldn’t be prouder. Credit to you all: Liam Alliston, Dwayne Howard, Wayne Chisholm, Robbie-Lee Simpson, Adam Atkinson, Connor Byrne, Alan Ross Howard, Gary Mulley, Peter Roddam, Aiden Lee, Walter McDonald, Joel Howard and John-Thomas Jnr.”

Weekly peer support evenings are held at The Hearth, 1 Market Place, Bishop Auckland, DL14 7NJ on Thursday 6-8pm and at Unit 3 IES Centre, Horndale Avenue, Newton Aycliffe, DL5 6DS on Tuesday 6-8pm.

Anyone is welcome to attend.