In November 2021 Aidan Monks co-owner of Lovingly Artisan Bakery set out to help raise extra funds in support of ‘’3 Dads Walking’’.
Using the excuse of National Homemade Bread Day (17th November) Aidan launched availability for a very special sourdough masterclass he was to host in February 2022 from which he would donate all of the proceeds to PAPYRUS Prevention of Young Suicide.
Aida was determined to do this to help support one of the bakery’s very dear friends, George Airey, (also known as Chilli George) and a cause close to her heart.
George, one of Lovingly Artisan’s first ever customers, over the years became a very close friend to both Aidan and Catherine, despite her addiction to the bakery’s cheese and chilli sourdough bread! (Hence her chilli-based nickname).
Tragically George and Andy Airey lost their daughter Sophie, at the age of 29, just before Christmas 2018.
No doubt you will have heard of “3 Dads Walking,” three dads who came together to complete a 300-mile walk to raise awareness of suicide prevention and to remember their daughters. Alongside Andy Airey, walked Mr Palmer, whose daughter Beth was just 17 when she took her own life in March 2020, a few days after Mr Owen’s 18-year-old daughter Emily also sadly died.
The efforts of these three inspiring individuals encouraged Aidan to do something to help support them and his friend George, Sophie’s mum.
Aidan’s Discover Sourdough course sold out in record time and to boost funds further the bakery team encouraged customers to dig deep too – raising an amazing £1000 as a result.
Aidan commented: ‘’Bakeries have always been about family and friends, which is why we wanted to support our dear friend George and help in our own small way. Raising funds to help support PAPYRUS is particularly important to me as a parent, as it is to many of our customers. We’ve all come together because we can relate to all he George’s and Andy’s out there and just wanted to do just that little bit more to try to help.’’
Aidan Monks – Talking for a friend
