Commemorative walk, Amble for Mitch, to mark the birthday of Alex ‘Mitch’ Mitchell in aid of Drowning Prevention Charity.

Alexander ‘Mitch’ Mitchell, 26, tragically drowned in the Serpentine in London’s Hyde Park on 6 April 2014. To mark, what would have been Alex’s 28th Birthday, his family and friends took part in a charity commemorative walk, ‘Birthday Amble for Mitch’, along the River Thames.

‘Birthday Amble for Mitch’ took place on 1 August in aid of the Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK), the Drowning Prevention Charity.

Over 30 family and friends took park in Amble for Mitch, which started at Rotherhithe and ended at Bankside, London. The walk took them along the Thames and past famous landmarks where Mitch used to enjoy going. The group, all wearing matching t-shirts to remember Mitch, raised awareness of water safety and the risks of swimming in open water.

Sue Mitchell, Mitch’s mother, said: “My husband, Andy, and I were overwhelmed by the amount of people who turned up to mark our son’s birthday and the generosity of the people who have supported us in raising money for RLSS UK. We even had members of the public approach the group who gave them important water safety information.

“It is wonderful that so many people helped to raise money in memory of our much loved son and to keep his memory alive by raising funds to prevent further deaths.”

‘Birthday Amble for Mitch’ has raised over £280 so far for the RLSS UK.

Di Steer, RLSS UK Chief Executive said: “Birthday Amble for Mitch was a great success, not only to raise money for RLSS UK but also to raise awareness of water safety to prevent any further tragic deaths.

“We would like to thank Sue Mitchell and her family and friends for their continued support in memory of Alex.”

Visit justgiving.com/Susan-Mitchell78 to make a donation in memory of Alex ‘Mitch’ Mitchell.