A series of tragic deaths have triggered campaigners to stage a walk on Saturday to highlight the dangers the River Medway poses.

Friends and families of Sonny Pataria, Chris Lawless and Terry Reynolds, who all died in the River Medway, have organised the walk.

Those supporting the cause have been asked to gather at Strood Market on Strood High Street, opposite McDonald’s at 10.30am.

The walk will begin at 11am, cross Rochester Bridge, move down Rochester High Street, through Chatham and finish at Gun Wharf, close to the spot where Sonny’s body was found.

Friend Rachel Smith, 22, said she wanted to raise awareness so other friends and family were saved the heartbreak of losing a loved one.

She said more than 300 people had confirmed their attendance and another 150 were considering attending the event.

She added: “This is to raise awareness and get signatures for our campaign for the council to consider higher railings and better security along the river.

“They [the victims’ families] think it is an excellent idea and support me 100 per cent.

“We lost somebody important to us because of the river, it took that to realise how seriously this issue should be considered.”

Miss Smith said she was trying to get the group recognised as a registered charity and would be presenting the petition to the council.

A Medway Council spokesman said: “The death of Sonny was a great tragedy and all our sympathies are with his family and friends.

“We will happily talk to any of the campaigners about ways they feel the riverside can be made safer for pedestrians at any time.”