I met Damian when we were just 14–15 years old at college. We were part of the same friendship group, just normal teenagers with our whole lives ahead of us.

But everything changed in 2015 when, at just 19 years old, Damian was involved in a motorbike accident that left him paralysed and became a full-time wheelchair user.

Just two months later, my life changed in a very similar way. I was involved in a car accident which left me with a T4–T11 complete spinal cord injury, also making me a paraplegic from the chest down and full-time wheelchair user. I later found myself in the same rehabilitation hospital as Damian, and from that point on, our friendship grew so much stronger and I was lucky enough to call him a very close friend of mine.

Damian was honestly one of the strongest people I’ve ever known - both physically and in the way he presented himself to the world. He was so upbeat, determined, and so independent. He would always say he was doing great, that his accident was the best thing that ever happened to him. He didn’t want help, didn’t want a carer, and just wanted to live life as “normal” as possible — he really did, which made him even more admirable.

But behind all that strength, there was a side many people didn't see. I would sometimes see that side as we both shared many of the same thoughts and feelings about our accidents and new way of life.

Living with a life-changing injury like paralysis is something that affects you in ways people can’t always understand. It can be incredibly isolating and lonely even when your surrounded by people. The mental impact, the emotional struggles, and the adjustment from being able-bodied to becoming a full-time wheelchair user can be overwhelming. It takes a huge toll — one that isn’t always visible. The battles in your own head… they can be exhausting. While many people find that things become easier with time, for some it can only become increasingly more difficult as they age.

And sometimes, the people who seem the strongest are the ones struggling the most.

It’s heartbreaking to say that Damian passed away by suicide in August 2025.

That’s something I will carry with me forever. I think about him all the time, and I can’t help but wish I had been there more, done more, said more… even if it wouldn’t have changed anything, at least I'd tryed my hardest, done everything I could and I’d have known just how much he was really hurting.

The truth is, I understand that darkness more than I ever wish I did. I’ve been in that far dark place myself. I’ve felt that low. And I have come dangerously close to losing that battle too.

And right now, someone else I care about is going through that exact same fight — but this time, they are talking, reaching out, and getting help. And that just shows how important it is to speak up.

That’s why this challenge means so much to me.

Because I’m not just doing this for Damian — I’m doing it for everyone out there who feels like they have to suffer in silence. Who don't know who to talk to or even how to help themselves.

And I’m going to be completely honest… this challenge is going to be incredibly tough for me.

Because I’m in a wheelchair, and I am nowhere near as strong or as fit as Damian was. What might seem like “just walking” 60 miles for some people is a completely different challenge for me.

I don’t know if I’ll manage the full 60 miles in 30 days, even if I manage 30 miles (1mile a day) I'd be happy…

But I can promise I’m going to give it absolutely everything I’ve got. I’m going to push myself as much as I can, and try my hardest to get as many miles in as possible.

I really want to do this for Damian, for others out there struggling and for myself. This will also help me to gain more strength and get me out doing more physical exercise, which will help me towards being physically strong just like Damiam was and I know he'd be proud of me for just attempting it and doing something so out of my comfort zone.

Because at the end of the day, this is about something so much bigger than the miles.

It’s about raising awareness.

It’s about helping people.

It's about raising money.

It’s about saving lives.

Samaritans are there for people 24/7, 365 days a year, in peoples darkest moments, — offering a listening ear, without judgement, when it’s needed most. when someone feels like they have no one else to turn to, nothing left to give but to end things. And the work they do is truly lifesaving. But they can only continue this vital work with our support.

So please please please, if you can:

– Donate whatever you can — even £1 makes a difference

– Share this page - Get the word out, you never know who might need to see it.

– Or simply check in on someone you care about, even if you don't think they need it - because it's more than likely they do.

I know times are tough right now, and I understand not everyone can give a lot — but every single bit of support means more than you'll ever know.

If this helps even one person… if one person feels less alone, or reaches out instead of suffering in silence… that would mean absolutely everything to me.

I will always cherish the time I had with Damian, he'll always be with me and I know he'll be there cheering me on.

I’m doing this for Damian.

For the people we’ve lost.

For the people still fighting.

For my friends, family and myself

And for anyone out there who needs to know they are not alone.

Thank you so much for your support💚