CLASSMATES who went to school together in York have completed a walking fundraiser in memory of one of their friends who took his own life last year - raising over £5,000.

The group of 10 friends, who all went to All Saints School in the city between 1990 and 1995, completed the 44-mile Lyke Wake Walk on June 30.

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

York Press: James Bamford sadly took his own life in 2022James Bamford sadly took his own life in 2022 (Image: Supplied)

The group said the event went well, with everyone completing the 44-mile challenge in 19 hours.

In total, they have managed to raise £5,032 for the CALM charity in James' honour.

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 did 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.

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.

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

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, also took 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.

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

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