CLASSMATES who went to school together in York are preparing to take on a walking fundraiser in memory of one of their friends who took his own life last year.

The group of 10 friends, who all went to All Saints School in the city between 1990 and 1995, are preparing to tackle the 42-mile Lyke Wake Walk on June 30.

Everyone taking part is 44 years old - and they are doing the trek in memory of their dear friend James 'Bamo' Bamford, who took his own life in June 2022.

Carl Schumacher, one of the organisers of the trek, said: "Bamo was an amazing human being who gave so much to everyone he met. We are doing this walk to raise awareness of mental health and to complete an event that James always dreamed of doing."

James, a father of two who lived in York for 20 years, was a "very active" student at All Saints who captained the football team. He was also a straight A student during his time there.

York Press: James Bamford with his familyJames Bamford with his family (Image: Supplied)

Another of James' friends, David Hazzard, said he was "like a brother" to him.

David said: "He was a beautiful man who gave so much in everything that he did. He touched so many lives and will be greatly missed. We’re doing this event to raise awareness and support other men who might be experiencing what Bamo went through."

James was a huge supporter of York City Football Club and followed them around the country. He also had a love of walking, Yorkshire and story telling.

James was a senior probation officer in Chippenham and lived in the area for 18 years - and the great work that he did in his job led him to receive an award from The Royal Family and Princess Anne.

James' former PE teacher at the school, Tony Teasdale, will be taking part in the walk as well. Tony is now retired, but is well known in the York area for winning the BBC show ‘Race across the world’ in 2019.

They will be tackling the trek to raise money for mental health charity - CALM. They have managed to raise more than £850 so far.

York Press: James sadly died in June last yearJames sadly died in June last year (Image: Supplied)

To support the group's effort in memory of James, visit their online donation page on JustGiving.

The group said James attempted the Lyke Wake Walk himself - and they want to complete it to honour him.

They will start at 3am from Osmotherley and they hope to complete the walk in around 16 hours.

  • The Samaritans say that whatever you're going through, you can call them for free, at any time, from any phone, on 116 123.