A MAN is set to don his walking boots for a 47 mile pilgrimage in a memory of a much missed friend.

Ashley Rae is preparing to walk from Gresford to Manchester City's Etihad Stadium next month in memory of his colleague and friend Michael Davies.

Michael, of Acrefair, took his own life aged 25 in 2016 having battled with anxiety and depression.

Before he graduated from Glyndwr University with a degree in estate management, and going on to work for Westford Homes and WD Stant as a trainee quantity surveyor, Michael worked at the Wickes DIY store in Wrexham where he struck up a friendship with Ashley through their mutual support of Manchester City Football Club.

Ashley says he has long been planning to raise money in memory of Michael, a former pupil at St Paul’s in Isycoed, Ysgol Deiniol in Marchwiel, and the Maelor School in Penley’s Sixth Form.

He said: "I met Mike when we were working together in Wickes and found out that he was a City fan as well.

"We became good friends and went to games together, and he said I'd become a bit like a brother to him.

"At the time he passed away I was training to take part in a charity boxing bout and although that was for Cancer Research, I had a picture of Mike on my top as a tribute as he was going to come and watch me.

"Since then, I have wanted to do something for Papyrus - the prevention of suicide charity.

"I always had the intention of doing something in his memory but now the time and place is right for me to put in the effort, and especially as there is a lot in the national media at the moment about mental health it has become high profile.

"Manchester City are playing at home on Mike's birthday, April 20, and the intention is to walk to that game from his resting place in Gresford.

"The kick-off is at 12.30pm (against Tottenham) so I had thought about starting the night before and staying somewhere halfway or and just carrying on straight through until we get to the stadium.

"Mike's younger sister Caitlin has offered to join me, and has helped organise the fundraising page.

"I'm used to the gym but I've not done anything like this before so am going to have to get used to the walking boots and do a bit of preparation but I will complete it."

In 2017, four of Michael’s close friends known as the ‘Gin o’ Clock team’ took on the Three Peaks challenge and to raised well over £6,000 in his memory for Papyrus.

Paying tribute, two years ago, Michael's mother Julie Grimes said: “Mike had a keen interest in music, reading and nature.

“He loved spending time with his friends, weekends away and holidays.

“One of the distinctive things about Mike’s personality was his willingness to help anyone in any way he could and was always the first on the scene to help out in a crisis."

Speaking about taking part in the walk, Michael's sister Caitlin Hardman added: "“When I heard about Ash completing this challenge I instantly wanted to take part not only to keep Mike’s memory alive but to help raise awareness for younger people who struggle with mental health issues and suicidal thoughts.

"I am becoming more and more aware each day of people my age struggling to cope and are reaching out to me knowing what has happened to my family.

"As a young person in todays society I know how pressurising everyday life can be, which proves how important charities such as Papyrus are for people to reach out too.

"This will be a challenge for me but I am excited to get started. I hope we can raise as much money as possible for this amazing charity that helps so many people everyday.”

To make a donation, visit - https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ashley-caitlin?fbclid=IwAR1uW6t0IXfPE-oAcWb45aPgTpnp6BhUyHvJNZ_V_6BgJfvB2wR0EvMvSwo&utm_id=124

The Papyrus website can be found at www.papyrus-uk.org/ and the Helpline number is 0800 068 41 41.