Elle Edwards' dad has shared how he has prepared for "what lies ahead" before the trial of his daughter's murder.
Tim Edwards joined actor John May on February 26 on a trek from Land's End to John O'Groats in support of the Weapons Down Gloves Up initiative. Tim's daughter Elle, 26, was shot dead after a gunman opened fire at The Lighthouse Pub in Wallasey Village on Christmas Eve.
Connor Chapman, of Houghton Road, in Woodchurch, was charged with Ms Edwards' murder in January. The 23-year-old has denied the charge and a trial has been scheduled for June 12.
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Speaking to the BBC, Tim said the trek has "all been about Elle". He added: "And I couldn't have done it without this man standing next to me. I'll be forever grateful for that.
"Who knows what the future brings? But I know one thing - everything I've learned on this trip, I'll take with me." He added without the walk he would have been in a "very dark place" and when he returns home he will "feel equipped to deal with what lies ahead".
Tim also spoke to the ECHO after completing the epic challenge and said the main reason he took part was to keep Elle's memory alive.
He said: "John started to spread the message of the charity which was great, it's a message I felt needed to be spread and wanted to be part of.
"But my main reason for getting involved is in Elle's memory, to keep her name alive and to spread the message through the country that we've had enough. It's not on, it's got to stop and it's the kids we've got to focus on, to change their attitudes."
Having set off on January 26, John has not only attracted Tim's attention, but many people right across the country, including well-known faces. The ECHO previously reported that hundreds of people gathered at the Pier Head on Liverpool's waterfront to join the pair as they walked through the city.
John said: "Tim met me in Worcester and we hit it off. A couple of days turned into 10 and then the rest of the journey. It’s taken many twists and turns but it’s been an adventure."
Speaking about his reasoning, he added: "It’s about getting kids out of gangs and giving them an incentive to choose a different way of life, in turn, it can save lives. Kids need educating and the opportunity to see what else is available and WDGU does that. Joining gangs and culture is the easy option."
It’s been a gruelling few months for John but he said it has been eye opening. He said: "The walk itself has created quite a bit of awareness, kids have said they’ve been inspired and it’s opened their eyes but it’s been overwhelming.
"Coming into Liverpool we hoped to have 100 people there but around 700 turned up, it was unbelievable."
Anyone wishing to donate can do so here. John's updates can be found via his social media @thatjohnmay on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube. More about Weapons Down Gloves Up can be found here.
Tim Edwards added: "To see the city and the region come and join us and turn up in the masses, it was great. It was such a humbling experience and spurred us on. It was a turning point for me and I committed to doing the rest of the walk.
"It's been such a great experience and I'm so proud of the city, it was a special moment that I'll never forget."
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