MORE than 250 walkers took a step in the right direction with a walk and talk event in aid of the Charlie Watkins Foundation.

The organisation was set up in memory of Charlie Watkins, from Colchester, by his twin brother Harry.

It was after Charlie tragically took his life in March 2017, aged 22.

The walk and talk event began at The Crown in Stoke by Nayland, with walkers being led in groups around a six-mile trail in the beautiful Essex countryside, where Charlie grew up.

Harry said: “The amount of support we have received has been incredible. This walk and talk event became full very quickly, and the turnout is humbling to see.

“All the donations from this walk will be funnelled into providing awareness surrounding mental health and helping those in need.”

The foundation aims to raise the awareness of mental health in young people, especially men, and it has secured £12,200 in donations on its JustGiving page.

The walk and talk event has received more than £7,500 in donations from the walkers.

Harry and his father, Tim Watkins, have launched Chat with Charlie helpline - an online platform for university students to use if they need help regarding their mental health.

It is being funded by donations to the Charlie Watkins Foundation JustGiving page, which is under the umbrella of the Essex Community Foundation. Chat with Charlie will be trialled at the University of Essex from the offices of Mid and North East Essex Mind.

Walk and talk is one of the first in a stream of events put in place in aid of the Charlie Watkins Foundation.

The next event will be the Fighting for Charity boxing night in Bethnal Green, London in May.

Charlie had just filmed an episode of ITV dating show Take Me Out, after which he was whisked away on a romantic date, when he was found dead by friends at York University.

The Charlie Watkins Foundation wanted to thank John Coleman Butchers, East of England Co-op, Birchwood Farm Shop, Adnams, Lacons, Heineken

and The Crown for their generosity.

To find out more about the charity visit www.cwfoundation.co.uk.