Community holds ‘duck walk’ in memory of local man

Warminster residents recently came together for a sponsored ‘duck walk’ in memory of a local man who took his own life earlier this year.

The event was organised in memory of Teilo How, a 22-year-old theatre technician at the Athenaeum who died in January, and has raised nearly £1,000.

Before his death, Teilo left farewell messages for friends on rubber ducks at the Athenaeum, asking that they be placed where they could watch the stage in his memory. This inspired the idea for the sponsored ‘duck walk’, raising awareness and funds for the men’s mental health charity Men’s Minds Matter.

“Although it was in memory of Teilo, it was a happy event. It was lovely,” said Penelope Christopher, who has known Teilo since he was 12 and organised the walk with his family.

The walk took place around the lake at the Lake Pleasure Grounds, with 38 people, plus one dog, taking part.

“The youngest walker was four or five years old, and the oldest walker was in their late seventies – people just walked what they could,” said Penelope.

“So far, £962 has been raised so we’re hoping we will get over the thousand-pound mark!”