This August, Ross Kirtland is walking the length of Great Britain to raise awareness and funds for mental health, homelessness and brain injury in sport.

His goal is to raise £125,000, representing the 125 lives lost to suicide in the UK every week and supporting the work of Head for Change, Tackle Suicide and Inn Churches.

Rugby has shaped Ross's life. Through the sport, he earned a bursary to Bradford Grammar School, played at academy level, represented England age-grade pathways and travelled the world, including playing in Australia. But behind the achievements, Ross was battling depression, anxiety and suicidal thoughts in silence.

This challenge marks one year since Ross's discharge from a psychiatric hospital following a mental health crisis that led to homelessness and more than 20 suicide attempts.

Now, he’s using his story to prove that recovery is possible and to encourage others to seek support before they reach a crisis point. Along the way, he hopes to start vital conversations around suicide prevention, homelessness and the long-term impact of brain injuries in sport.

"For three years straight, I didn’t want to be alive anymore. Now I’m walking the length of Great Britain to prove that recovery is possible."

Follow Ross’s progress, route updates, fundraising milestones and stories from the road via:

Instagram @rosskirtland

Instagram @HeadforChange