THE father of a young man who died in a lorry crash is teaming up with his two brothers for a huge fundraising challenge.
Mark Carley and his brothers Shaun and Thomas plan to walk a 100km route from Bristol to Weymouth in just two days in May.
They are taking on the epic trek to raise money for the Road Forward – Tyler Carley Foundation, set up in memory of Mark’s son after he died when the lorry he was a passenger in overturned on the Avon Ring Road near Mangotsfield in December 2023.
Mark set up the foundation with Tyler’s mum Gemma and siblings Kylan, Skye and Ronni-Irene, to support road accident victims’ families in the light of their own experience after Tyler’s death, when they struggled to find support.
The foundation launched last year with a big team of runners taking part in the Great Bristol Run 10k race.
Since then a variety of different fundraising events have been staged – but none of them have been as gruelling as the challenge Mark and his brothers are taking on.
All the money raised will go to 2wish, a charity that helps families who have lost a child or young adult under the age of 25 suddenly, and provided support for Tyler’s family after his death.
Mark, Shaun and Thomas plan to set off from Bristol on May 9 and arrive in Weymouth by the end of the next day.
To train for the challenge, Mark has been going on hikes of up to 30 miles (48.3km), walking to destinations including Weston-super-Mare and Caldicot.
Mark said: “As ever we couldn’t do this without your generous donations and support.
“Shaun, Thomas and myself would love to raise as much money as possible. Please dig deep and give whatever you can – every little helps.”
Donations can be made via the fundraising page at tinyurl.com/mvjh7ynj.
Tyler lived in Kingswood before moving to Mangotsfield and then Thornbury, attending St Stephen’s infant and junior schools and the Castle School.
He was working as a scaffolder when he died.
Tyler had a big group of friends from Kingswood, Mangotsfield and Thornbury, and also had many friends from playing football for Deerswood, Longwell Green and Bristol Rovers’ development squad.
He was a big Bristol Rovers fan, following the club home and away, both with his dad and with friends.
More details on The Road Forward can be found at the charity’s Facebook and Twitter accounts, or by emailing info@tylercarley.org.