What? 

We're Max & Tom and we're hiking 14 National Trail footpaths around the UK. 

• A total of 2422 miles 
• Equivalent to walking from London to Edinburgh 7 times
  
• A total elevation equal to summiting Everest approximately 8 times. 
• Raising money for two charities that are close to us, Reach and Mind.
  

Why? 

Why not? In 2017 we completed the 2,189 mile Appalachian Trail and it ruined our life... In the best possible way! It showed us another way of living. A simpler life that was closer to nature that gave us more purpose.

We waved goodbye to 9-5 a long time ago with our hearts set on a life that centres around wellbeing, happiness and nature. We've recently embarked on vanlife and since Covid put many things on pause, have reset and restarted our #WalkforGood mission. 

Our Walk for Good is to raise money and awareness of upper limb difference for the charity Reach and to promote getting out in nature for physical and mental health and to raise money for Mind, the mental health charity. 

When we’re out in nature and walking, it’s our form of therapy. It forces us to surrender to a slower pace, it enables us to enjoy the small moments which always feels more rewarding, and it relaxes the mind and body. We have time to talk, release stress and anxiety, and there, in that place of content tiredness we find perspective – walking restores our balance and gives us a sense of purpose.

Why Reach?

I (Max) was born with an upper limb difference but for me it's never been an excuse not to, but always a reason to try. 

My chosen charity for our Walk For Good is Reach because thanks to Reach after 31 years I found the confidence and self-acceptance to stop hiding my difference and that was all because I rediscovered them and realised I am not alone out there. 

There are children being born with upper limb differences every day; Reach helps them to live a life without limits, offering help and support to them and their parents, from professionals and others with similar upper limb differences. Now, it's my turn to support them, to raise awareness, to represent upper limb difference, and to inspire people to challenge their perception of difference.

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ittakesajourney

Website - www.ittakesajourney.com

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4EQpj05Perk&t=1s