THOUSANDS were raised for charity as a Braintree Freemason group held a special walk and talk event for suicide prevention.

Essex Freemasons John Smillie of Langthorne Lodge and Mark Lappage of Cromwell Lodge hosted the inaugural Papyrus walk and talk family day in aid of Papyrus.

Founded in 1997 by a group of bereaved parents who each lost children to suicide, the Payprus charity is dedicated to the prevention of young suicide and promotion of positive mental health and emotional wellbeing in young people.

After a year of fundraising by John and Mark, this new incentive aimed to get families out together to simply walk and talk, with no technology, no boundaries and to draw attention and raise awareness and funds for the charity. 

Following six months of planning, the event was hosted by fellow Essex freemasons and Rayne’s Welsh Princess Pub owners Scott Wilson and wife, Tracy.

On what was a sunny day, the walkers arrived and registered for either the early route of eight miles or the more child-friendly four-mile route.

Both options were signposted with walkers greeted at two and six miles with a selection of free cakes and cold drinks.

On completing the distances, all walkers arrived safely back at the Welsh Princess Pub by 1pm, and were greeted with an outside bar, food truck, ice cream van and live music.

A spokesman said: “More than 150 people joined in with this special day, including friends, families and members from all the lodges which meet at Howard Hall Masonic Centre in Braintree.

“Following the generosity of all who attended and made donations to the raffle and auction, as well as charity tins and the registration itself, more than £5,300 was raised on the day with more money still to come from the auction items.

“The amount far exceeded expectations and was a very proud day for Braintree Freemasons.

“John and Mark would like to thank everyone who supported them on the day and if you still wish to donate please do so at justgiving.com/page/braintreemasonjohnandmark.”