Today marks the end of an epic and emotional journey for comedian and producer John May and Tim Edwards, father of Elle Edwards, who lost her life in Wallasey on Christmas Eve 2022, as they celebrate their joint birthdays by completing the momentous challenge to walk the length of the country.
John originally began his walk from Lands End to John ‘o’ Groats back in January 2023, and Tim decided to join him on his journey from Worcester, intending to accompany John for a couple of days but subsequently completing the walk with him. Tim, always conscious that his historic journey did not include the leg from Worcester to Lands End, then decided that he would complete the walk, and John decided to return the favour and join him.
When they touch the sign at Lands End today, John will have walked for 121 days, covering 1,285 miles, and Tim’s tally is 103 days and 985 miles. This leg of the walk took them through Tewkesbury, Gloucester, Bristol, Taunton, Somerset, Devon, Cornwall, and St Ives before reaching Lands End.
John, 42 today, did his original walk to promote the dangers of gun and knife crime, and this leg of the walk is to raise funds for The Elle Edwards Foundation, set up by Tim in memory of his daughter. They are hoping to top the Go Fund Me page at £5,000 to help those who have gone through the distress of losing someone to murder through the Foundation.
John May said:
“I firmly believe that Tim and I were destined to do this journey together. We were both in difficult places in our lives and step by sometimes painful step we have put the jigsaw of life back together. We started as relative strangers and we have finished the challenge changed men in many ways. I have started a production company and Tim is doing something positive to ensure that good comes out of something so evil”.
Tim, 52 today said:
“The first part of this journey prepared me to be mentally strong to face the trial of Elle’s killer – something I would not wish on any other family. This part of the journey has allowed me to look forward and create a clear vision for the Elle Edwards Foundation, creating a place where people who have suffered similar trauma can come together with shared experience and emotion and not feel alone. There were signs along the way that Elle was with me, in darker moments her light shone through and I want to keep her light shining in a positive way and I know she is proud of what we have achieved”.
The two friends have passed the endless hours on this amazing journey telling stories of old, sharing jokes, spurring each other on during darker days, and knowing when silence and reflection were the best and, on some days, the only option. They have laughed and cried, mentally carried each other at points, given each other space at times, and wrapped each other in the warmth of friendship, companionship, and love. They have shared something magical, created a unique and unbreakable bond, and made memories and a friendship that will last a lifetime.
Is this the last journey? Who knows… but for now, the birthday celebrations can start!
You can support the Go Fund me page that Tim has set up here.
READ MORE: MEZ FOUNDATION LAUNCHED IN LIVERPOOL AFTER LOSS OF LOCAL MAN JOHN MERILL
