The story so far just keeps on unfolding but this is an opportunity to take stock and share some of our experiences  regarding mental health. The walk is a massive challenge but we both feel it will be worth it if we manage to shine a little more light on mental health awareness. 

Sharing about mental health is not easy but maybe every little shared experience could help another overcome their own difficulties. This approach to help is not just for the living but to be handed down.  Experience speaks for itself. The reason why I say this is, is because it was not so long ago that most patients in psychiatric hospitals were all given the same medication and I am sure there must still be a long way to go.

This incredible 700 mile walk started on Tuesday the 20th July 2021at 5pm from Brighton's Palace Pier and will finish at 'Dunnet Head'  the most northern point on Great Britain's mainland. 

This 700 mile walk could take approximately 70 days if we keep to an average pace of ten miles per day.  Please bear in mind, my son is only 12 years old and has been diagnosed with ADHD so this on its own  merit can be challenging on any other regular day. In addition we have no ground support, no caravan, no motorhome but just a tent. This means we are not only walking but carrying rucksacks with rudimentary equipment. 

We both know full well that this whole walk idea is an extreme challenge but I also believe no matter how far we actually accomplish towards the finishing line then it could create a feeling of achievement that could last and echo a whole life time for, in this instance Jacob. This could go a long way towards overcoming his low self-esteem following on from being permanently excluded from two separate schools knowing fall well he has a skill set that is being wasted.

We will be taking regular film and photos that will not only give a wonderful tour of  Great Britain with occasional Bear Grylls, Steve Backshall and most definitely Sir David Attenborough moments but will also more importantly express a deeper insight into personal thoughts and feelings. Right now these photos are available to  browse on the gallery above and as soon as I get my head around it we will try some films and live recordings.  This is the plan in action so if we succeed all the way then maybe this might become a set of foot prints in the sand to help another reach their light at the end of their dark time. Just like  broken bones, peoples minds can recover.  

It is not a coincidence we have selected Mind as our charity of choice. The list of support my family has received can be appreciated with the following list of professional agencies involved

I would now like to take this opportunity to thank the following for their support with Jacob over the past few years

Dr Uttom Chowdhury and Francesca Curti Gialdino and everyone else at CAMH Dunstable.

Jessica Walsh and some others at SASH, Hemel Hempstead.

Civil servants at SEND at Hertfordshire County Council Offices in Hemel Hempstead.

All staff at the Lakes 'ARC' Following participation in their Families together program. Welwyn Garden City/Hatfield

All staff at Dacorum Education Support Centre, Hemel Hempstead.

All teachers and staff at Katherine Warring School, Harpenden especially 'Amy Francis' and Head Master Tony Smith who jumped hurdles and through hoops to catch my son from harms way. Thank you....

Lets also not forget the large percentage of resources spent and used out of Hertfordshire's Police Constabulary's financial Budget stretching from Surrey's Police force to Harpenden Police Station.

 love love love

Sam and Jacob (bob)

PS.

FURTHER DAILY UPDATES ARE ALSO NOW VIEWABLE  AT MY FACEBOOK PAGE       SAM ROLNICK

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