Ollerton Together: From Grief to Change
How ‘Paul’s Pit Stop’ and ‘3 Dads Walking’ Changed the Future of Youth Mental Health.
Today marks a watershed moment in the fight against youth suicide, a moment born not from policy rooms or government mandates, but from the raw courage of grieving parents who refused to let tragedy be the final word.
In Ollerton, Paul’s Pit Stop, founded by Jane Beardsley and Mark Gamble in memory of their beloved son Paul, stands as a beacon of hope. What began as a local community interest group has grown into a movement that saves lives, one honest conversation at a time. Through tireless fundraising and advocacy, Jane has brought skilled, engaging speakers into schools, people who know how to reach young hearts with messages that matter: “It’s okay not to be okay.” “You are not alone.” “There is help.”
Her work has not only raised awareness, but it has likely saved lives. By focusing on early intervention and creating safe spaces for dialogue, Jane has helped foster a culture where young people feel seen, heard, and supported. Her efforts and goals align with today’s national announcement: Suicide prevention is being added to the school curriculum in England.
This milestone would not have been possible without the extraordinary efforts of ‘3 Dad’s Walking’, a group of fathers united by the unimaginable loss of their children to suicide. Their simple yet profound act of walking thousands of miles together has captured the nation’s attention. Appearing on national television and engaging communities across the UK, they’ve turned grief into powerful action, demanding that mental health be treated with the urgency it deserves.
Their courage inspired Jane and Mark to act, and together, ‘Paul’s Pit Stop’ and ‘3 Dad’s Walking’ have created a synergy that is changing lives. From grassroots efforts in Ollerton to national recognition, they have shown that compassion, when paired with determination, can move mountains.
We owe every member of these groups our deepest gratitude. They have turned pain into purpose, and their work will echo in the lives of countless young people who now have a better chance of being heard, helped, and healed.
Let this be a reminder to us all: Change is possible when compassion leads the way.
