Over the next 12 months I’m taking on a big challenge – to run and hike the whole Tarka Trail in Devon. 180 miles!

I’m raising money for Place2Be, a charity that helps children with their mental health. They already support over 250,000 children in schools across the UK, giving kids someone to talk to when life feels tough. I’d love to see more of that kind of help here in Devon too.

Why am I doing this? Because children today are facing higher levels of anxiety and stress than ever before. Lots of children my age worry about school or life in general, and I don’t think anyone should feel like they have to keep it all inside. For me, being outdoors and burning off energy really helps my own mental health – and I want other children to have the same chance to feel better and get support when they need it.

Did you know . . .

About 1 in 6 children in Devon face a mental health challenge.

The South West has some of the highest hospital admissions for young people struggling with mental health.

More than half of young people say it’s hard to get the help they need.

That’s why I want to raise awareness as well as money – so more children can get support when they need it.

The Tarka Trail goes through rivers, moors, villages and the North Devon coast. Some parts are flat and easy, some are really hilly (hello Exmoor and the coast path!). There’s even one section where the trail is the train – I’m calling that my “rest day”!

I’ll be fitting this challenge around school and sport – so it won’t always be easy. But by the end of 12 months I’ll have covered the full 180 miles, finishing on Instow beach in September 2026.

My fundraising target is £800 – because the Tarka Trail is a figure-of-eight loop, and I thought it was the perfect number! Every pound raised will help Place2Be support more children who need it.

I’ll always have family nearby to support me, but every mile is down to me.

Please donate if you can, and follow my journey on Instagram where I’ll share updates from each stage: @ArthurTarkaTrailRun

Thanks for your support!

Arthur 🏃‍♂️