A COUPLE are about to embark on an epic challenge to raise money and awareness of the number of young people who take their own lives each year in the UK.

Jean and Steve Bennett, from Lower Walton, have jetted out to France to tackle the ancient pilgrim route which starts at St Jean Pied de Port in the French Pyrenees and ends in Santiago de Compostella in Northern Spain.

Since highly talented Elayne, Jean’s daughter and Steve’s step-daughter, took her own life nine years ago, Jean has volunteered with Warrington-based national charity PAPYRUS (Prevention of Young Suicide), helping to raise awareness of the help the charity provides to young people who are not coping with life.

“PAPYRUS is a marvellous charity, which urgently needs support to continue its helpline and young people outreach services,” said Jean.” We hope people will support our journey with donations, to help ensure that other families do not endure the same devastation through losing a young person through suicide.

“We are aware it is an arduous and very long trek. We are carrying our stuff on our backs in a rucksack and staying at pilgrim hostels along the way. The official time takes between 28 and 32 days but both at 60-plus years, we are giving ourselves longer, although expect to be walking at least 13 miles a day.”

Ged Flynn, chief executive of PAPYRUS added: “Jean is a valued volunteer, helping our charity: this is an amazing fundraising effort from Jean and Steve and we wish them well.

"Suicide need not be the inevitable result of feeling suicidal, but in the UK it remains the highest cause of death in young people – both male and female – under 35 years.

"We need to talk about it to raise awareness, reduce the stigma and help attract the resources we need to encourage more young people to seek help before it is too late.”

You can support Jean and Steve at justgiving.com/jeanandstevebennett/