I’m walking 500 miles around the Scottish Highlands in memory of my mum, Lisa Packer — the kindest, strongest, most joyful person I’ve ever known.

In May 2025, Lisa suffered a sudden and catastrophic brain haemorrhage. She was in hospital for 15 days before she passed away, surrounded by love. It was the most painful thing I’ve ever experienced, and it changed everything.

My mum was the kind of person who could light up a whole room with her energy. She once got a pub cheering so loud to “I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)” that the ceiling literally cracked. That song stuck with all of us — and so I’m walking 500 miles in her memory.

I’m doing this to raise money for Headway – the brain injury association, who support people affected by brain injury and their families. Their work is vital, offering crisis support, rehabilitation help, and a lifeline to people who are trying to make sense of devastating, sudden events like the one we went through.

This walk is called The Lisa Packer 500. I’ll be walking solo for over a month — through wind, rain, and mountains — starting in the place we loved and finishing in the place we made our favourite memories.

Every 90 seconds, someone is admitted to a UK hospital with a brain injury.

Whether because of head injury, tumour, stroke, haemorrhage or neurological infection, the effects of a brain injury can be life-changing and life-long. That’s why, when the unthinkable happens, expert help is vital.

Headway UK – the brain injury association is here to support survivors, their families and carers, every step of the way.

Every donation means the world.

Every step is for her.

💙 Thank you for reading, sharing, and supporting.