When Steve Parsons was tagged on Facebook to do 25 days of 25 push-ups as part of a #suicideawareness initiative he was up for the challenge.
But sadly, it soon became something of a poignant tribute – on the same day he was invited to partake, Steve's neighbour tragically took his own life.
Aston Little played ice hockey for the Milton Keynes Bolts. He was also a family man; devoted to his fiancee and young daughter. His loss was devastating and hard to comprehend.
Steve said: “Aston was a fantastic and popular guy. He was due to marry his fiancé Clare in September. He was only 28 but they had been together for nine years and were head over heels.
“Aston was an awesome dad to their four year old daughter Elcie, who is really missing him.”
Steve Parsons: 'I've done press-ups in some odd places so far...'
The press-up challenge is now a way for Steve to spread the #suicideawareness message, while remembering his friend.
And rather than hit the floor at home on a daily basis, Steve has decided to mix things up; by choosing to do his press-ups next to a different Milton Keynes landmark every day.
So far, MK's bovine mascots the Concrete Cows, the Iron Bridge at Newport Pagnell and historic Linford Manor are among the backdrops which have featured.
“I’ve lived in MK for 35 years and had no trouble finding nice spots, MK is full of them,” Steve said.
“I’ve done press-ups in some odd places so far including by the Peartree Bridge Triceratops, The Point, at Bradwell Windmill and the Iron Trunk Aqueduct.
“There are still a lot of places I want to go; like the Stadium MK and Peace Pagoda but also a few personal ones like my old school in Newport Pagnell, the first pub I had a drink in and the church that my wife Kathryn and I got married in.
“It's our anniversary this weekend, and it’s not like we can go out for a meal at the moment, so I’ll take her to the churchyard to do some press-ups!” he laughed.
Housing officer Steve has had some brilliant support for his daily challenge though: “Our little girl Felicity has been trying it too. She thinks I’m pretending to be a dog. Our dog thinks that too!
Aston Little: 'A fantasic and popular guy'
“Apart from a lot of funny looks and the fact that I seem to pick every thunderstorm we’ve had recently to do it in, it’s been ok so far.”
Steve is encouraging others to get on the floor and do their bit for #suicideawareness too, and says he is far from a gym bunny himself, so don't let that put you off: “I try to stay fit-ish, but mostly fail,” he admits, “I can remember the last time I did 25 press-ups in a row before this!”
Steve's challenge finishes on June 30th, which is the day of Aston's funeral.
"No one saw this coming,” he says, talking about the loss of his friend and neighbour,
“It was a tragedy and a real wake up call. You just never know how someone is feeling. Covid-19 and lockdown have been very hard on a lot of people...”
A JustGiving page has been set up in memory of Aston.
You can donate here
Follow Total MK on Facebook: here and twitter here for breaking news in Milton Keynes
