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Rockbeare teen in 1,000-mile journey in memory of brother

Rockbeare teen in 1,000-mile journey in memory of brother

BBC News01-07-2025
A Devon 17-year-old is preparing for a 1,000-mile (about 1,600km) walk and cycle from John O'Groats to Land's End. Skye, from Rockbeare, near Exeter, is starting the journey on 5 July in memory of her brother Ryan, who took his own life at the age of 27. The goal is to raise funds for Andy's Man Club, a charity dedicated to providing mental health support for men.Accompanying her on parts of the journey will be her 10-month-old Springer Spaniel, Nova.
Ryan, the youngest of Skye's three older brothers, was known for his kindness, humour, and passion, said Skye.He had also participated in a charity boxing match for Andy's Man Club in memory of a friend who had passed away. Despite his struggles with mental health, which he often kept from his younger siblings to protect them, Ryan's legacy continued to inspire Skye, she said."Losing Ryan was a pain that my family and I will never be able to explain and it affected us all differently," she said."Andy's Man Club was very close to Ryan's heart."Skye's mother, Yvonne, will also be supporting her daughter throughout the journey. "We're hoping to meet Skye at various points along the route and walk back towards her," she said. "Once we get to Cornwall and Devon, I'll join her for much of the coastal path."
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