Three Parks Three Days
Alex Atherton is walking across three national parks to raise money for police charities, as a thank you for supporting them through mental health crises. Alex, who is from Crewkerne and identifies as they/them, feels strongly that the police do not get enough recognition for the work they do in helping people with mental health issues.
The 16 year old (who is pictured here with their horse Zarifa) plans to walk the length of Exmoor, Dartmoor and the New Forest parks on three consecutive days in August 2021 – a total distance of approximately 83km. They are raising money for the Avon and Somerset Police Benevolent Fund and Police Care UK.
Alex is planning to study A levels at Richard Huish College from September and would like to join the police force after university. Alex says: “I’m fundraising for police charities as I know some people with mental health issues and other people in general have a critical and sometimes valid view toward the police and how they do their job.
“I have been on a section 136 which basically means the police can detain you for up to 24 hours as they deem you a risk to yourself and others and take you to place of safety, whether that be a hospital, 136 suite or if you are over 18 that can include custody.
“I am doing these walks for the police who have sat with me for hours at a time while I’ve been unwell and have always treated me with respect, and sometimes it pains me when others don’t do the same back. I want to give something back to the police as a sort of thank you for those hours they have spent with me talking to me and making me feel more comfortable. I also want to thank them for giving me a new hope in life: back in the latter part of 2020 I was quite suicidal and one officer said to me: “when you make it to 18 come join the police, we need more people like you who can make a difference” so that’s what I plan to do.
“So if you can please, please donate as much or as little as you can it would mean a lot to me! Thank you to you all who donate and thank you to the police officers from Avon and Somerset police and Dorset police as well.”
