A GROUP of Oldham young people devastated by the suicide of their friend are taking on Snowdonia to remember him and raise awareness of mental health in men.
The youngsters tragically lost their friend in June last year when he was just 21 years old.
But now his closest friends are planning to march through Snowdonia National Park this summer in his memory.
In doing so, they hope to raise money for the Oldham branch of the suicide prevention charity, Andy’s Man Club.
Cara Gregory, 19, said the circle of ‘about 20’ all came together as a result of Kieran in the first place, and so it feels fitting that they do something special together to honour him and raise money for an invaluable cause.
Ms Gregory said: “We came across Andy’s Man Club – they basically encourage men to go to talk, chat and to get stuff off their chest and just have a good time where they won’t be judged by anyone.
“We just hope that we can bring attention to the charity – and to stop people going through what Kieran went through and what we went through as a result of what Kieran did.”
The team have already started printing out T-shirts and banners ahead of the big day.
Sponsorship forms have been spread far and wide from local Oldham businesses to The Angel Inn pub in Lees, Kieran’s local, where last year a huge tribute took place after his passing.
The hike itself will start at 4.30 am, and the friends are adamant that they won’t be doing any of the easy trails.
Ms Gregory said: “We don’t want to do the easy one – we want it to be something to remember him by and something impressive, so it’ll be one of the harder routes.”
The hike will take place on June 25 – near the anniversary of Kieran’s death and what would have been his 23rd birthday on June 20.
They also plan to meet and pose for a group photo doing the ‘OK’ hand symbol that Andy’s Man Club charity promotes as part of their campaign, ‘It’s ok to talk’.
Andrew Collier is the one organising the hike to bring everyone together for a memorable day.
The 21-year-old said: “Kieran was the kindest soul you could ever meet.
“The funniest person in a room and such a good friend.
“Nothing was ever too much for him, nor too much effort.
“I decided to kick-start the charity fundraiser in his memory as I wanted him to be remembered with smiles on faces and laughs being heard for miles.
“I chose Andy’s Man Club as they stand for something so close in our hearts”, Mr Collier added.
Ms Gregory said: “It’s such a good feeling – we all keep saying that he would be so proud of us right now."
Meanwhile, Grace Harper, 23, said: “Kieran was the bestest friend.
“Many of us were blessed to gain a brother over the years.
“He was there when you needed him, he was there even if you didn’t need him. He was never far away.
“Kieran had a smile that would light up the darkest of rooms."
Nathan Ardrey, 21, added: “Kieran was the most warm-hearted person.
“He always had his arms open for anyone and would always be there for them.
“He was truly one of a kind.”
The group have already raised £600 in memory of Kieran. To donate search GoFundMe for Sponsored hike in memory of Kieran
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Correction: This article originally stated Kieran’s birthday as June 25. The hike takes place on June 25, but his birthday is June 20.
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