School friends and their PE teacher are reuniting to embark on an arduous fundraising challenge in honour of a member of their friendship group who took his own life. 

James Bamford was a highly commended probation officer based in Swindon who worked in Chippenham for over a decade. 

During his time in the town he was recognised with a royal award for helping an ex-army and police officer who saw a friend shot at close range by the IRA overcome post-traumatic stress disorder.

James, then a senior probation officer with Bristol, Gloucestershire, Somerset and Wiltshire Community Rehabilitation Company (BGSW CRC) was presented with the award by Princess Anne at St James’s Palace.

But despite being able to help others overcome their own mental health struggles, the father of two could not overcome his own and took his own life on June 6, 2022.

Swindon Advertiser: The group attempting a 42-mile-walk in one day to raise money for charity CALM in honour of James BamfordThe group attempting a 42-mile-walk in one day to raise money for charity CALM in honour of James Bamford (Image: Carl Schumacher)

Now around ten of his friends from All Saints School in York - where James grew up, was a straight-A student and the captain of the school football team - are joining together to take on the 42-mile Lyke Wake Walk in just one day. 

They will be joined by James' former PE Teacher Tony Teasdale - who won BBC show Race Across the World in 2019. 

The group have sent up a JustGiving page to fundraise for mental health charity CALM and has so far received over £1,200. 

A spokesperson for the group said: "James Bamford, a father of two and an award-winning probation officer, was a great man in so many different ways and was loved by so many.

"He had such a positive impact on anyone he met and his joyous fun sense of nature endeared him to all.

"Unfortunately, Bamo sadly took his life as his overburdened work life took its toll."

They revealed that the Lyke Wake Walk was something that James himself had attempted, but was not able to complete.

"He had a love of walking, Yorkshire and storytelling and attempted the Lyke Wake Walk. He failed, but that is another story, we would like to not fail him... it is a tough task but we would like to test our bodies and complete the 40-mile walk in his name and raise money for CALM charity."

Swindon Advertiser: James Bamford and his familyJames Bamford and his family (Image: Carl Schumacher)

The group will be attempting the challenge on June 30.

To support their efforts, visit the JustGiving page here.