Family hosts ‘duck walk’ for men’s mental health in memory of son

The family of a young man who took his own life earlier this year is organising a sponsored ‘duck walk’ this weekend to raise money and awareness for men’s mental health.

Teilo How, a theatre technician at the Athenaeum, died in January aged 22. He left four rubber ducks at the Athenaeum and asked in his farewell message to friends that they be placed where they could see the stage in his memory. During performances from the Athenaeum Limelight Players, there will always be a duck somewhere near the stage.

Inspired by this, the family is organising a sponsored ‘duck walk’ around the lake at the Lake Pleasure Grounds to raise funds for Men’s Minds Matter in his memory.

“Since we’re walking around the lake, we decided to call it a duck walk,” said Penelope Christopher, who has known Teilo since he was 12 and is helping to organise the event with his family.

The walk takes place on Sunday 28th September, from 10am to 1pm. Participants are encouraged to wear a costume from a production Teilo was involved in, or, if they prefer, something yellow. Penelope added, “I’m actually going to be dressed as a duck!”

The route is 20 laps around the lake, but people can join in for as long as they like. “Even a child could do two or three laps, and older people can rest now and again,” said Penelope.

“There will be collection tins on the day if anyone just wants to come along and make a donation. Any support we can get would be great,” she added.

Men’s Minds Matter is a men’s mental health service that supports individuals experiencing suicidal thoughts and raises awareness about male suicide.

The sponsored walk organisers would like to thank Double M Electrics and Centre Stage Perform for their support.