Mother walks 50 miles in memory of soldier son

The mother of a soldier who took his own life has completed a 50 mile walk in his memory.

Bradley James Parks-Duckett died on 27 July, 2019, aged just 21. Bradley, was a Royal Engineer with the 26 regiment based in Tidworth, and had been diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder. He was in the process of leaving the Army and was due to be discharged in February 2020. Bradley’s mum Janette, from Selby, completed the walk with her son-in-law Tom Hewitt, who is also ex-forces, on Sunday. They left Selby Cemetery at 8am and walked to Bradley’s grave at Rosehill in Doncaster and back again.

Janette said: “This was the first time we have done this, and it was hard going. It was emotional, and the pain didn’t come in to it until the way back. We were either on grass verges, or the main road, it was very uneven. “I can’t do anything for my son now because he’s not with us anymore, but I can in other ways.” Janette raised more than £170 through sponsorship, Tom - who is married to Bradley’s sister Gemma - raised £200 and the Just Giving fundraising page raised £330. All the money will be donated to SSAFA The Armed Forces Charity. Janette added: “I’m really pleased with the money we have raised.” In addition, a darts tournament will take place on Saturday at 4pm at River Mills Ballroom.

To donate, visit: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/steven-wright2514