19/04/2026
On the Saturday of August bank holiday 2018, our son Zac, left the house in the morning and went up on the Malvern Hills where he ended his life. This August will be 8 years since we had that dreadful knock on the door, the pain and grief haven’t diminished.
After he died, we set up a charity Behind the Smile to reach out and support people like Zac who needed support but couldn’t find or access what they needed to help with their mental health. Those bereaved by su***de are around 4% more likely to attempt su***de compared to other types of loss. Our own grief journey made us aware of a lack of support for those bereaved or affected by su***de. So, we do what we can to also support those people.
This year, we’re taking on the full Malvern Hills end to end walk, over 15 ridges; with breathtaking views and over 6000ft of elevation gain. — a demanding but deeply meaningful challenge — in memory of Zac Pritchard. Zac’s life and spirit inspired the creation of Behind The Smile, a su***de prevention charity dedicated to raising awareness, breaking stigma, and supporting those struggling with mental health challenges.
This walk is as much about heart as it is about endurance.
Together, with Behind The Smile, we aim to raise awareness, open conversations, and support people before it’s too late.
Walk with us. Donate with us. Help us make a difference — in memory of Zac, and for the lives we can save.
If we can find sponsors for the event, we can look at things like reducing the registration fee.
We are aware people on low income may want to attend, and not be able to pay but with fundraising, it can be done.
Also, to secure everyone's safety we are paying for Your Adventure Challenge to guide us all the way with qualified, insured mountain leaders, and there will be a bus available for the return trip or for any safety reason such as falls, or you need to stop.
Set up your own fundraising page, for fundraising and for us to follow you.
On the Saturday of August bank holiday 2018, our son Zac, left the house in the morning and went up on the Malvern Hills where he ended his life. This August will be 8 years since we had that dreadful knock on the door, the pain and grief haven’t diminished. Zac was a caring loving person, but he ...
