North Wales business, Watkin Property Ventures (WPV) has announced that 3 Dads Walking/ Papyrus UK Suicide Prevention has been chosen as the 2025/26 staff charity of the year.

The announcement was marked by a visit to the WPV Bangor offices from Mike Palmer, MBE, one of the three dads, along with his companion, Gus the puppy.

Staff were keen to support the charity in recognition of their impact on raising awareness of young suicide prevention. Mike shared the journey that he, Andy Airey and Tim Owen the other two dads, have undertaken over the past few years, walking across the UK in memory of their daughters who lost their lives to suicide. Their aim is to raise awareness of the support that Papyrus UK provides to help prevent young suicides. Since 2021, the trio have walked over 1,500 miles and raised more than £1.5 million.

Their story of transforming personal loss into meaningful action has resonated with staff at WPV, several of whom have been personally affected by suicide. The visit was a reminder of the impact that dedication and community support can have.

Mark Watkin Jones, Chief Executive of WPV, said: “We’re proud to support such an important cause – one that means so much to me personally and so many of us here at WPV.

The work that 3 Dads Walking and Papyrus do is genuinely inspiring, and we’re determined to help keep the momentum going from last year’s fund-raising efforts. We want to start conversations and do everything we can to help make a difference – by showing people that support is available.”

On behalf of the 3 Dad and Papyrus UK, Mike Palmer said: “We’re grateful to Watkin Property Ventures for choosing to support 3 Dads Walking and Papyrus UK. Every conversation about suicide prevention matters, and partnerships like this help us reach more families and young people who need to know that help is out there.”

As well as fundraising, the WPV staff charity committee said they will also work to help raise awareness of suicide prevention and signpost people to support services, including Papyrus UK’s Hopeline247 on 0800 068 41 41.

 Photo: Mike Palmer, John Booth, and Gus the dog