Mitch’s parents overwhelmed by friends walk

The commemorative walk - Birthday Amble for Mitch - on August 1 was to mark the birthday of Alex ‘Mitch’ Mitchell and raise cash for the Royal Life Saving Scoeity UK (RLSS UK), the Drowning Prevention Charity.

Mitch drowned in the Serpentine in London’s Hyde Park on April 6 2014 aged just 26 and 30 people from North Yorkshire walked from Rotherhithe to Bankside.

Sue Mitchell, Mitch’s mother, said: “My husband, Andy, and I were overwhelmed by the amount of people who turned up to mark our son’s birthday and the generosity of the people who have supported us in raising money for RLSS UK.

“We even had members of the public approach the group who gave them important water safety information.

“It is wonderful that so many people helped to raise money in memory of our much loved son and to keep his memory alive by raising funds to prevent further deaths.”

The walk took them along the Thames and past famous landmarks where Mitch used to enjoy going. The group, all wearing matching t-shirts to remember Mitch, raised awareness of water safety and the risks of swimming in open water.

Birthday Amble for Mitch has raised over £300 so far for the RLSS UK.

Di Steer, RLSS UK Chief Executive said: “Birthday Amble for Mitch was a great success, not only to raise money for RLSS UK but also to raise awareness of water safety to prevent any further tragic deaths.

“We would like to thank Sue Mitchell and her family and friends for their continued support in memory of Alex.”

Donations can still be given in memory of Mitch at justgiving.com/Susan-Mitchell78 or form more information on RLSS UK visit www.rlss.org.uk