Major walk to remember men and help Andy's Man Club

The walk - which will take in 10 different football stadiums, finishing at Bradford City’s Valley Parade - will remember Billy Burnett and Phil Fairbrace, while raising vital funds for male suicide prevention charity Andy's Man Club. 

On February 17, 2017, Billy took his own life aged 49 - leaving behind his four children, Chloe, Ellie, Hollie and Emily. 

Billy and his daughters at Christmas 2012 (Image: Submitted)

Billy was an avid Bantams' supporter and was present at the Bradford City stadium fire on May 11, 1985. 

Following the disaster, Billy's mental health declined and he battled with depression for more than 30 years before his tragic death. 

When Billy took his own life, his ex-partner Joanne - the mother of his children - and her husband, Phil, were left to pick up the pieces for his devastated youngsters. 

But following the unexpected death of his mother, ill-health, and a subsequent battle with depression, Phil also took his own life at the age of 40 on October 7, 2023. 

Phil with his family on Christmas Eve 2022 (Image: Submitted)

He left behind Joanne, his four stepchildren, their daughters, Lola, Hannah and Olivia, his son, Leo, and two grandchildren.

Following Phil's death, Joanne's sister, Colleen Dodd, and her husband, Andy, came up with the idea of Phil and Billy's Memory Walk to remember the two men and give Andy's Man Club a boost.

The walk will begin at Northampton's Sixfields Stadium on April 1 and visit eight other football clubs before finishing at Valley Parade on April 5.

'It's hard to put into words how much fun they were'

Colleen said: "We all know there will be tears of laughter, sadness, anger, hurt and joy on this walk. 

"Suicide leaves so many unanswered questions, a lot of guilt and often blame which can be so destructive. 

"If we can help spread the word that it is OK for men to talk, that they aren't weak because they ask for help, and that there is a safe space they can go to for support, we might just save one man's life. 

"To think we could prevent another family going through the pain of losing a male relative to suicide is motivation enough."

Paying tribute to both men, Colleen said: "It really is hard to put into words how much fun Phil and Billy were. 

"Billy had a fantastic sense of humour and he loved his kids and Bradford City. 

Billy adored the Bantams (Image: Submitted)

"After the Bradford City fire, he and his brother completed a half-marathon for charity to raise money for the burns unit.

"Whenever we asked him if he was OK, he would respond 'course I am, I'm a City fan'. 

"Phil lived for his family and he was at his happiest when he was with them.

"He was loud, bubbly and fun. 

Phil had a memorable laugh - one that is very missed (Image: Submitted)

"He had a laugh that was loud and raucous and he laughed from his soul. We miss hearing that laugh so much. 

"Both of them made our lives brighter - and the world definitely is darker without them in it."

Channelling grief in a positive way

Colleen also paid tribute to the strength and resilience of Joanne and the children.

She said: "They're warriors.

"Even when they have been in the depths of grief, they have worked tirelessly to fundraise.

"Because some people are unable to take part in the charity walk, they have even organised alternative events to raise money. 

"They show grit and determination despite everything they are going through."

Joanne and the children said: "We are grateful for the support and encouragement we are receiving.

"It is comforting to know that people care and that we can channel our grief in a positive way.

"We thank each and every person who is with us on this journey."

So far, Phil and Billy's Memory Walk has raised more than £3,000 for Andy's Man Club. 

To donate, visit www.justgiving.com/page/memorywalkforphilandbilly 

For any man who wants to talk in a safe space, without fear of judgment, visit the Andy's Man Club website via andysmanclub.co.uk

For further information on the walk and to find out how to join the family along the way, search for Phil and Bill's Memory Walk on Facebook.